Moving to the United States from Japan

Visa Pathways for Japanese Citizens

Japanese citizens can visit the United States for up to 90 days without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) ^[1]. This covers tourism and business meetings but does not authorize employment or long-term residence. For anything beyond short visits, you need a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa.

E-2 Treaty Investor visa.

Japan has an active E-2 treaty with the United States, with the treaty relationship dating to 1953 ^[2]. The E-2 visa allows Japanese nationals to invest a substantial amount of capital in a US business and live in the US to direct that business ^[2]. There is no fixed minimum investment amount, but the investment must be sufficient to ensure the successful operation of the enterprise. The E-2 is renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains operational, but it does not directly lead to permanent residence ^[2].

H-1B specialty occupation visa.

Japanese professionals with at least a bachelor's degree in a specialty field can qualify for H-1B sponsorship from a US employer ^[3]. The annual cap on new H-1B visas means the process is competitive, with a lottery determining which petitions are selected when applications exceed the cap ^[3].

L-1 intracompany transferee.

Japanese employees of multinational companies with US operations can transfer on an L-1 visa ^[3]. This is common for Japanese corporate employees posted to US subsidiaries or branches. The L-1A (managers and executives) allows up to seven years; the L-1B (specialized knowledge) allows up to five years.

Employment-based immigrant visas.

Japanese nationals can pursue permanent residence through the EB-1 (extraordinary ability, outstanding professors, multinational managers), EB-2 (advanced degrees or exceptional ability), or EB-3 (skilled workers and professionals) categories ^[4]. Japan typically has shorter wait times than high-demand countries like India and China because per-country limits do not backlog Japanese applicants to the same extent.

Family-based immigration.

US citizens can petition for Japanese spouses, parents, and unmarried children under 21 as immediate relatives without numerical caps ^[5]. Other family preference categories have annual limits.

Student visas.

The F-1 visa allows Japanese nationals to study at SEVP-approved US institutions ^[6]. You need a Form I-20 from your school and payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee before your consular interview ^[6]. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows up to 12 months of work in your field of study, with a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degrees ^[6].

US Tax Obligations and the Japan Treaty

Once you become a US tax resident, either by holding a green card or meeting the substantial presence test, you are taxed on worldwide income ^[1]. The substantial presence test counts all days in the current year plus one-third of the prior year plus one-sixth of the year before that, with a threshold of 183 days ^[2].

US-Japan Income Tax Treaty.

The US and Japan have a comprehensive income tax treaty, most recently updated by the 2003 convention and 2013 protocol ^[3]. The treaty reduces withholding rates on dividends, interest, and royalties flowing between the two countries. For individuals relocating, the treaty's residence tiebreaker provisions determine which country gets primary taxing rights when you could be considered a resident of both during a transition year.

Foreign tax credit.

If you pay Japanese income tax on income that the US also taxes, you can claim the US foreign tax credit on Form 1116 to avoid double taxation ^[4]. Japanese national and local income tax rates are progressive and can be comparable to US rates at similar income levels, so the credit often offsets most or all of the US tax on Japanese-source income.

Japanese tax exit.

Japan's national tax rules require you to file a final tax return covering the period of January 1 through your departure date. Depending on the value of your financial assets at departure, additional Japanese tax obligations can apply. Consult a Japanese tax advisor about your specific situation before departing.

FBAR and FATCA.

If you keep Japanese bank accounts, investment accounts, or nenkin (pension) accounts with an aggregate balance exceeding $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) ^[5]. FATCA Form 8938 applies if your foreign financial assets exceed higher thresholds ^[6]. Japanese financial institutions report American-connected accounts under FATCA's intergovernmental agreement with Japan ^[6].

Self-employment.

The US-Japan Social Security Totalization Agreement determines which country's social security system covers you, preventing dual contributions ^[3]. If you are sent to the US by a Japanese employer for a temporary assignment, you may continue paying into Japan's nenkin system with a certificate of coverage instead of paying US Social Security taxes. Self-employed individuals residing permanently in the US generally pay into the US system.

Healthcare and Insurance

Japan's National Health Insurance ends at departure.

When you deregister your residence (tenshutsu todoke) from your municipality in Japan, your National Health Insurance (kokumin kenko hoken) or employer-based shakai hoken coverage terminates. You cannot use Japanese health insurance for medical care in the US.

Employer-sponsored insurance.

Most US employers offer health insurance plans. If your employer provides coverage, you typically enroll during your hire date window or the annual open enrollment period. For Japanese corporate transferees on L-1 visas, the Japanese parent company sometimes arranges supplemental international coverage during the initial transition.

ACA Marketplace plans.

If you do not have employer coverage, lawful permanent residents and certain visa holders can purchase plans through healthcare.gov. Premium subsidies are available based on income. A qualifying life event, including a change in immigration status, triggers a Special Enrollment Period.

Prescription medications.

Japan and the US use different brand names for many medications, though generic names (International Nonproprietary Names) are the same. Bring documentation from your Japanese doctor listing your medications by generic name and dosage. Some medications available without prescription in Japan require a prescription in the US, and vice versa.

Mental health.

Mental health services in the US are more widely available and less stigmatized than in Japan, but they are also expensive. Insurance plans are required to cover mental health treatment under the Mental Health Parity Act, but copays and finding in-network providers can be challenging. Japanese-speaking therapists are available in major metropolitan areas with large Japanese communities (Los Angeles, New York, the San Francisco Bay Area).

Dental and vision.

These are separate from medical insurance in the US. Japanese nationals accustomed to dental coverage under shakai hoken should expect to purchase separate dental insurance or pay out of pocket.

Banking and Finances

Opening a US bank account.

Japanese nationals can open accounts at major US banks with a passport, visa, and US address. A Social Security number or ITIN is required at most institutions. Large banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank all serve international clients. Some Japanese banks have US operations (MUFG, for example) that may facilitate cross-border banking.

Building US credit.

Japan's credit reporting systems (CIC, JICC) do not transfer to US credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). You start with no US credit history. Secured credit cards are the standard starting point. American Express offers a program for transferring membership history from certain international Amex cards to a new US card, which can help establish credit faster.

Keeping Japanese accounts.

Many Japanese banks allow non-residents to maintain accounts, though some services (like domestic transfers) may be restricted. Keeping a Japanese account is useful for receiving any Japan-source income, managing pension payments, and converting yen to dollars. Wise and Sony Bank's foreign currency services offer competitive exchange rates for JPY-USD transfers.

FBAR and FATCA for Japanese accounts.

Any Japanese bank, brokerage, insurance (with cash value), or nenkin accounts you hold count toward FBAR and FATCA reporting thresholds ^{[1] [2]}. Japanese post office savings (yucho) accounts also count.

Social Security and the Totalization Agreement.

The US-Japan Totalization Agreement allows you to combine work credits from both countries to meet benefit eligibility requirements. If you worked in Japan and contributed to the nenkin system, those periods can be counted toward the 40-credit threshold for US Social Security eligibility, and vice versa. Benefits are prorated based on actual contributions to each system.

Currency considerations.

The JPY-USD exchange rate directly affects your purchasing power when converting savings or receiving income from Japan. Rates fluctuate significantly. Many Japanese immigrants maintain some savings in yen as a hedge and convert incrementally as needed.

Moving Logistics

Shipping household goods.

Ocean freight from Japan (Yokohama, Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe) to US West Coast ports (Los Angeles, Long Beach, Seattle) takes approximately two to three weeks. East Coast delivery adds additional transit time. A 20-foot container costs in the mid-four to low-five figures depending on volume and routing. Japanese moving companies like Nippon Express, Yamato Transport (Kuroneko), and Japan Luggage Express specialize in US-bound moves and handle customs documentation.

US Customs.

Personal effects and household goods you owned and used before your move enter the US duty-free under the personal effects exemption. Prepare an itemized inventory in English. Electronics (100V Japanese appliances) will need voltage converters or transformers for US 120V outlets, though many modern electronics (laptops, phone chargers) accept both voltages. Large appliances (rice cookers, air purifiers) with Japanese plugs will need adapters.

Importing a vehicle.

Bringing a Japanese-market vehicle to the US is rarely practical. Japanese cars have right-hand drive, which is legal but impractical for US roads. The vehicle must also meet EPA and DOT standards. Modification costs are high, and the process takes months. Most Japanese nationals sell their car in Japan and purchase one in the US.

Pets.

Dogs entering the US from Japan must meet CDC requirements, including a valid rabies vaccination certificate and health documentation. Cats do not require rabies vaccination for US entry but need airline-compliant health certificates. Japanese airlines (ANA, JAL) transport pets in cargo on transpacific routes. Quarantine-free entry is standard for dogs from Japan provided documentation is complete.

Driver's license.

Japan has bilateral driver's license agreements with some US states, but most states require Japanese nationals to take the written knowledge test and driving test to obtain a state license. An International Driving Permit (IDP), which you can obtain from JAF in Japan before departure, allows you to drive in the US for up to one year while you work toward a state license.

Household differences.

US homes use different electrical standards (120V, Type A/B plugs versus Japan's similar but not identical system). Bed sizes, kitchen dimensions, and bathroom layouts differ from Japanese standards. Furnished apartments are less common than in Japan; most US rentals are unfurnished.

Cultural Adjustment

Communication style.

American communication tends to be more direct than Japanese communication. Workplace interactions are generally less formal, with first-name usage, direct disagreement in meetings, and open discussion of individual achievements. The indirect communication patterns common in Japanese business (nemawashi, reading the air) do not translate well to American workplaces. Adjusting to this difference takes time but is essential for professional success.

Work culture.

Despite Japan's reputation for long working hours, many US companies also expect significant commitment, particularly in industries like tech, finance, and law. The difference is in the style: US workplaces emphasize individual initiative, self-promotion, and measurable results. Taking initiative and speaking up in meetings are expected rather than deferring to seniority.

Japanese communities in the US.

Major Japanese communities exist in Los Angeles (particularly the Torrance-Gardena area), New York, the San Francisco Bay Area, Honolulu, and Seattle. These areas have Japanese supermarkets (Mitsuwa, Nijiya, Marukai), restaurants, bookstores, and community organizations. Japanese Saturday schools (hoshuko) serve families who want their children to maintain Japanese language skills.

Food and shopping.

Japanese grocery items (natto, specific rice varieties, dashi, miso) are available at Japanese and Asian supermarkets in metropolitan areas. Prices are higher than in Japan. Online retailers also ship Japanese products domestically. American portion sizes are significantly larger than Japanese portions, and restaurant tipping (18-20% standard) is expected.

Healthcare interaction.

US doctor visits are typically shorter than in Japan, and patients are expected to advocate for themselves. Unlike Japan's system where you can walk into almost any clinic, US healthcare requires navigating insurance networks, referrals for specialists, and appointment scheduling that may take weeks. Japanese-speaking doctors practice in areas with large Japanese populations.

Schooling for children.

US public schools are free and assigned by residential address (school district). The school year runs from August or September through May or June, different from Japan's April-to-March calendar. English Language Learner (ELL) programs support students whose first language is not English. Some families supplement with Japanese Saturday school to maintain bilingual ability.

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