Blog
Pocket & home Wi-Fi, eSIM/USIM, and working-holiday, study, and travel tips — the KEICALL blog for life in Japan
Missed JLPT? Alternative Japanese Exams for Visa Applications
Missed the December 2026 JLPT? Discover government-approved alternative Japanese exams like JFT-Basic and BJT to secure your Japan visa.
Running Out of Data in Japan? 5 Settings to Change
Prevent your data from running out quickly during your Japan trip. Learn 5 essential smartphone settings to change before you go, including Low Data Mode.
Japan Eases Work Rules for 'Dependent' Visa Holders
Starting October 2026, Japan will expand work permissions for 'Dependent' visa holders, allowing part-time jobs at pachinko parlors and game centers.
Japan to Require 3-Month Interviews for Foreign Workers
Japan's labor ministry updates subsidies to require regular interviews and multilingual documents, strengthening support for foreign workers.
Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Requirements
Japan's Immigration Services Agency has revised its permanent residency guidelines, tightening income, pension, and Japanese language requirements.
Japan eSIM Not Working? 6 Things to Check Upon Arrival
Japan eSIM not working? Before deleting it, check these 6 troubleshooting steps, including data line selection, roaming settings, and airplane mode.
Japan's Specified Skilled Worker Visa Holders Surpass 440,000
According to Japan's Immigration Services Agency, Specified Skilled Worker visa holders topped 440,000. Long-term Type 2 visas surged over twofold.
Myanmar Added to Japan's Provisional Sending Agency List
Japan's OTIT released a provisional list of sending agencies in Myanmar for the new 2027 Training Employment System. Here is an overview of the changes.
Delaying Japan Visa Renewal May Freeze My Number & Bank Accounts
Japan's Immigration Services Agency announced recommended timelines for visa renewals. Entering the grace period may restrict My Number and bank accounts.
Tokyo Recruits Int'l Students for Tourism Workplace Tour
Tokyo is recruiting international students for its 3rd Workplace Tour & Networking Event, featuring visits to Hyatt House Tokyo Shibuya and more.
Narita Airport Terminals 1 & 2 Launch 'Joint Kiosks'
Starting Sept 24, 2026, Narita Airport Terminals 1 & 2 will launch "Joint Kiosks" to combine customs and immigration, cutting wait times for residents.
Paying in Japan: How Much Cash Do You Really Need?
How much cash do you need for Japan? Learn about credit cards, IC cards, QR payments, and cash tips, plus how to stay connected for mobile payments.
Over 70% of Japan Workplaces with Foreigners Violate Labor Laws
Japan's 2025 labor inspection report reveals over 70% of workplaces employing foreign trainees and skilled workers violate labor laws.
Opening a Japanese Bank Account: Guide for Students & WHV
A complete guide to opening a bank account in Japan for international students and working holiday makers. Learn about the requirements and steps.
Japan Deploys Foreigner Support Coordinators in 38 Prefectures
Japan's Immigration Services Agency has deployed Foreigner Support Coordinators to 38 prefectures to help with visas, employment, and daily life.
Japan Eyes Security Guards for Specified Skilled Worker Visa
Japan's National Police Agency has formed an expert panel to consider adding security services to the Specified Skilled Worker and Training Employment visas.
Japan to Add Airport Ground Handling to New Training Visa
Japan will add aviation, including airport ground handling, to its new "Training and Employment" visa set to launch in April 2027. Here are the details.
Finding a House in Japan: Guide for Students & WHV
A guide to finding a house in Japan for students and WHV holders, covering initial costs (shikikin/reikikin), required documents, and steps.
How to Save on Japan Telecom Costs with Prepaid Discounts
A guide to saving on Japan telecom costs for students and working holiday makers. Save up to 30% with prepaid discounts and no cancellation fees.
Tohoku Job Fair 2026: Career Event for Foreign Students
The Foreign Student Job Fair 2026 in Tohoku will be held for international students seeking employment in Japan's Tohoku region. Admission is free.
Japan Tightens Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 Visa Rules
From Aug 20, 2026, Japan's Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 visa applicants must submit a work pledge. Visas may be revoked if actual duties differ.
Guest Wi-Fi for Accommodations: No-Drill Room Internet
Learn how to set up guest Wi-Fi in accommodations without complex wiring. Boost guest satisfaction with instant, no-wait home Wi-Fi.
Japan Residence Card SIM vs. Pocket Wi-Fi: Which is Best?
A comparison of Japanese phone number SIMs and pocket Wi-Fi rentals for residence card holders. Find the perfect internet guide for expats and students!
Japan Updates Residence Card App to Show Period of Stay
Japan's Immigration Services Agency updated its residence card reader app, allowing users to check unprinted details like period of stay via IC chip.
Japan Travel Data: eSIM vs. Pocket Wi-Fi vs. SIM Card
Compare eSIM, Pocket Wi-Fi, and SIM cards for your Japan trip. Find the best data option based on your group size and data usage.
Japan to Raise Residency Fees in Oct 2026: PR to Cost ¥200K
Japan will significantly increase visa renewal and change fees starting October 1, 2026. Learn about the tiered fees and the massive PR fee hike.
Japan Study Abroad & Working Holiday Pre-Departure Checklist
Essential pre-departure checklist for Japan study abroad and working holidays. Learn how to set up your Japanese phone number and internet before you go.
Japan SIM Card Plan Guide: Save on Data and Calls
Starting your life in Japan? Compare Docomo, SoftBank, and Rakuten SIM card plans to find the perfect data and call options without wasting money.
Is Japan's Unlimited Data Really Unlimited? FUP & Speed Limits
Learn the truth about speed limits and FUP (Fair Usage Policy) on Japanese unlimited data plans. Find out how to choose the right plan for your usage.
Japan SIM Card Comparison: SoftBank, Docomo, & Rakuten
Compare Japan SIM card carriers! Analyze rates and data for SoftBank, Docomo, and Rakuten Mobile, plus SIM recommendations using a Residence Card.
Kumamoto Earthquake: Residence Period Extended to Jan 2027
Residence periods and card validity for foreign residents affected by the July 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake are extended to January 27, 2027.
How to Get Shop Internet in Japan on Opening Day
Learn how to set up shop internet in Japan from day one without waiting for installation, using home Wi-Fi for POS and payment terminals.
Japan to Tighten Highly Skilled Professional Visa Rules
The Japanese government plans to raise the salary threshold and reform the points system for the Highly Skilled Professional visa. Here is what to know.
Getting a Japanese Phone Number: Why You Need a Residence Card
Learn 4 key situations where you need a Japanese phone number (banks, ward offices, jobs, deliveries) and how to get a SIM card using your residence card.
Japan to Add 5-Year Stay to Specified Skilled Worker (ii) Visa
Japan's Immigration Services Agency proposed adding a 5-year stay period to the Specified Skilled Worker (ii) visa, a key step for permanent residency.
Japan to Tighten Permanent Residency Requirements
Japan's Immigration Services Agency announced stricter permanent residency guidelines, including higher income, pension, language, and spouse requirements.
Preparing for a Part-Time Job in Japan: Essential Checklist
A guide on essential items like a Japanese phone number, Residence Card, and bank account needed before applying for a part-time job in Japan.
First 2 Weeks in Japan: Surviving Before Your Residence Card
Learn how to secure a phone number and internet during the 2-week gap before getting your Residence Card in Japan to prepare for housing, banking, and jobs.
Japan Pocket Wi-Fi: Return, Extension, & Loss Guide
A complete guide on returning, extending, or handling lost pocket Wi-Fi in Japan. Essential tips for travelers, students, and working holidaymakers.
No Address Yet? How to Get Internet in Japan Instantly
Moving to Japan? Learn how to get connected instantly using pocket Wi-Fi and home Wi-Fi rentals before registering your official address.
Japan eSIM vs SIM, Voice vs Data: Which is Right for You?
Compare Japan eSIM vs physical SIM, and voice vs data-only plans. Find the best Japanese mobile plan for travel, study abroad, or Working Holiday.
Internet for Studying in Japan: Cost Comparison by Stay
Compare total internet costs for studying abroad or working holidays in Japan. Find the best option without contract fees or remaining device balances.
Japan to Allow Dependents to Work at Pachinko Parlors
Foreign nationals in Japan on a Dependent visa will soon be allowed to work part-time at pachinko parlors and game centers. Students are excluded.
Is Your Job in Japan Reported? Unreported Cases Surge
Over 140,000 suspected cases of unreported foreign employment in Japan were found over 5 years. Learn how foreign workers can protect themselves.
Japan Arrival Guide: Phone, Bank, and Housing Setup Order
Avoid setup delays in Japan. Learn the correct order for getting a phone number, bank account, and housing, and how to get your phone number in advance.
Japan Working Holiday SIM & Internet Guide
A complete SIM and internet guide for Japan Working Holiday makers. Learn how to get a Japanese phone number and rent contract-free internet.
Japan Travel: Pocket Wi-Fi vs. eSIM for Families & Groups
Planning a group trip to Japan? Compare Pocket Wi-Fi and eSIM. Discover the pros, cons, costs, and the best choice for your travel style.
Japan to Link Tax and Immigration Data for Visa Screenings
Starting July 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency and National Tax Agency will share tax data, penalizing visa renewals for unpaid taxes.
Japan to Add 200 Immigration Officers to Tighten Visas
Japan's Immigration Services Agency will add over 200 officers to crack down on illegal stays and tighten visa screenings and on-site inspections.
Japan Business Trip Internet: Instant Day 1 Setup Guide
No more worries about Japan business trip internet! Check out this practical guide to Pocket Wi-Fi, eSIM, and SIM cards with Japanese phone numbers.
