Local laws and regulations in Japan: Residency registration within 14 days. Carry residence card always. National Health Insurance mandatory. Separate garbage recycling rules. Bicycle registration required. Foreign driver's license limitations. Strict drug laws. Smoking restrictions in public areas. Noise control ordinances. Pet ownership regulations.
Residency registration within 14 days.
Foreigners staying in Japan for more than three months must register their residential address within 14 days of determining their residence. This is done by submitting a moving-in notification to the local municipal office with a Residence Card or passport. This registration is necessary to receive essential services such as health insurance and pension. For more detailed guidance, you can refer to the Residence Card procedures on the official website.
Carry residence card always.
In Japan, foreign residents aged 16 and above are legally required to carry their Residence Card at all times and present it upon request by immigration officers, police, or other authorities. Failure to do so can result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen or imprisonment for up to one year. More information on this requirement can be found on the Japan Living Guide website, which provides detailed guidance and information on essential official matters for expatriates in Japan.
National Health Insurance mandatory.
In Japan, enrollment in National Health Insurance (NHI) is mandatory for all residents, including non-citizens, who have lived in the country for three months or more, without any choice of health insurance programs. Designation is based on employment status, age, and residence. The system, funded through taxation and individual contributions, has been ensuring universal health coverage since 1961.
Separate garbage recycling rules.
In Japan, garbage disposal rules are stringent and vary by municipality, requiring residents to separate waste into categories such as combustibles, non-combustibles, recyclables, PET bottles, and large items. Specific guidelines and designated collection days are set for each type of waste, ensuring organized and environmentally friendly disposal. For comprehensive information, the Japan Garbage Disposal Guide serves as an essential resource for understanding and navigating these intricate regulations.
Bicycle registration required.
In Japan, Bicycle Registration is mandatory and involves a process called "jitensha bouhan touroku" to prevent theft. Cyclists must register their bikes with the local authorities, typically through the bike store at the time of purchase or at a police station for second-hand bikes, and obtain a registration sticker. More detailed information can be found on the Japan Living Guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of cycling regulations and practices in Japan.
Foreign driver's license limitations.
Foreign drivers in Japan can drive with an International Driving Permit (IDP) or their foreign driver's license for a maximum of one year from the date of landing in Japan, provided they carry the necessary documents, including a Japanese translation of their license. Drivers from countries not signatory to the 1949 Geneva Convention, like Mexico, are generally not allowed to drive in Japan with their foreign licenses. For more detailed information, you can visit the International Driving Permit guidelines provided by the National Police Agency.
Strict drug laws.
In Japan, strict drug laws are enforced through several regulations, including the Stimulants Control Law, Cannabis Control Law, and Narcotics and Psychotropic Control Law, which impose severe penalties, including life imprisonment and significant fines, for the possession, use, and importation of prohibited substances such as stimulants, cannabis, opioids, and psychotropics. Even prescribed medications must follow specific legal procedures to be brought into the country. For more detailed information on these regulations, please visit the Drugs in Japan page, which provides comprehensive guidance on compliance with these stringent laws.
Smoking restrictions in public areas.
In Japan, Smoking is banned in indoor public places such as schools, hospitals, and government facilities, with exceptions for small establishments and designated smoking rooms. Outdoor smoking is also restricted, with many cities, including Kyoto, banning smoking on streets and sidewalks except in designated areas.
Noise control ordinances.
Japan's noise control ordinances are governed by the Noise Regulation Law, which sets maximum permissible noise levels varying by time and area, with daytime limits of 55-70 dB and nighttime limits of 45-55 dB, depending on the area's classification. The law also regulates noise from specified factories, construction work, and motor vehicles, and allows local governments to implement additional measures to protect the living environment.
Pet ownership regulations.
In Japan, pet owners must register their dogs with the local municipal office within 30 days of acquisition, ensure annual rabies vaccinations, attach a license tag and vaccination certificate to the dog, and notify the authorities of any changes in address or the dog's death. Additionally, dogs must be kept on a leash in public, and owners are responsible for picking up and disposing of dog waste. For a detailed understanding of these requirements, you can visit the comprehensive resource on Dog Keeping Laws and Regulations in Japan, which outlines these obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of both the pets and the community.