Figured out that my bank back home doesn't have "bank stamp", which is required for the lump sum payment.

I guess I can't receive it then since it has to be a bank stamp no matter what on the form.

Hello,

My wife had renounced her PR status at the start of 2024.

Now from I read online, once you have a SSN, it’s never taken away regardless of alien status.

My question is, do I write NRA when filling married filling separately or put her SSN?

Hi Everyone

Recently, I tried to buy some goods from rakuten.co.jp, but when I reached to the final step by paying via my Wise (Tranferwise) credit card, I succeed to do it and was debited on my Wise account, but it described that the receiver which is Rakuten should approve it. In the end they rejected it from unclear reason and refunded my money, I wanted to contact them but I didn't found the contact form or their email.

I live in the EU and my currency is euro.

Why they refused it ? Is there another solutions or payement methods like bank transfer via Wise ?

Thank you for your answers !

When I was living in the states I had some money in a Wealthfront account and wasn’t really thinking about it, but now that I have lived in Japan a while I realize that the transactions it does automatically in terms of rebalancing and tax loss harvesting could be a pain as it relates to Japanese taxes - would it be best to just close that account entirely especially now that I’ll be becoming a permanent tax resident of Japan soon? Hoping this doesnt come back to bite me at some point…

With the anticipated launch of Switch 2, the company is entering a critical phase, one that could define its financial trajectory for coming few years to come. Looking at past trends and market dynamics, I’ve built a revenue forecast that breaks down hardware and software performance:

https://preview.redd.it/v2tjqktmwbge1.png?width=1612&format=png&auto=webp&s=c8565f308f0afef5b28bdeceef60544046c91bda

Hardware Revenue:

Hardware revenue is fairly straightforward: it’s a function of units sold multiplied by the average selling price (ASP). When Nintendo launched the original Switch in March 2017, the company initially projected 10 million units in its first year. But the sales hit 15 million (+50% above expectations). This kind of underestimation isn’t uncommon for Nintendo, as they tend to be conservative in their guidance.

With Switch 2 expected to launch in the coming quarters, market consensus suggests the company could sell ~20 million units by December 2025. But given what happened with the first Switch, I believe this number could be:

• 25 million units sold by March 2026,
• 40 million in FY27,
• 30 million each in FY28 and FY29.

At an ASP of $400, this translates into:

• $10 billion in FY26,
• $16 billion in FY27,
• $12 billion each in FY28 and FY29.

Software Revenue:

While hardware sales generate cash flow, the real margins are in software. Unlike hardware, which carries roughly 10% profit margins, software revenue can be much higher. Looking at Nintendo’s earnings calls, it's clear that management is **pushing the company towards a software-driven future.**To break this down, we have to analyze Switch 1 and Switch 2 software revenue separately.

Switch 1 Revenue:

Nintendo reported 127 million active Switch 1 users as of September 30, 2024. The average revenue per user (ARPU) from software sales has seen a steady decline over the years:

• $53 in FY22 → $46 in FY23 → $40 in FY24 → $16 (Sept 2024 YTD).

For forecasting, I’ve assumed a conservative ARPU of $35 in FY25, $30 in FY26, and $20 beyond that. With user numbers expected to decline by 10% YoY, revenue estimates for Switch 1 software come out to:

• $4.5 billion in FY25,
• $3.5 billion in FY26,
• $2.1 billion in FY27,
• $1.8 billion in FY28, and so on.

Switch 2 Revenue:

Based on historical trends, I expect that 13 million existing users (10% of 130M Switch 1 users) will migrate to Switch 2, while an additional 17 million new users will join the Nintendo ecosystem.

How did I arrive at 17 million new users? A look at Nintendo’s history tells us the answer. Back in March 2017, before the original Switch 1 launch, the company had 16 million users. One year after the console's release, Nintendo had added 20 million new users, reaching 36 million total users by March 2018. Given this precedent, a 17 million user increase in Switch 2's first year seems like a reasonable estimate.

This brings the total Switch 2 user base to 30 million by March 2026, with projected growth to:

• 45 million in FY27,
• 80 million in FY28,
• 96 million in FY29.

As for ARPU, industry reports suggest a reasonable assumption of $120 per user for Switch 2, aligning with digital gaming trends. This leads to software revenue estimates of:

• $3.6 billion in FY26,
• $5.4 billion in FY27,
• $9.6 billion in FY28,
• $11.5 billion in FY29.

Total Revenue:

When you bring both hardware and software revenues together, Nintendo’s Switch ecosystem revenue comes out to:

• $17 billion in FY26,
• $23.5 billion in FY27,
• $23.5 billion in FY28,
• $25 billion in FY29.

As we can see that not only Nintendo but this industry seeks transition into a high-margin, software-first company. More software revenue means higher profitability, stronger recurring cash flow, and less dependence on new hardware cycles.

It also means more R&D investment, more third-party collaborations, and a stronger Nintendo ecosystem. For investors looking at gaming stocks, this could be a compelling long-term story.

Let’s discuss—do you agree with these assumptions? Where do you see the challenges?

And soon Line Pay itself. It had everything I needed: QR Payments, iD, a card number for online purchases, and best of all free online recharging direct from my bank (Yuucho 😒) with high limits. Any decent alternatives? I got denied for debit and credit card.

Hello, I just arrived in Japan about 5 months ago as MEXT-scholar, I just moved to new apartment and also subscribed to wifi. Specifically for both of them, I stupidly applied to automatic debit from my JP Bank.

The thing is, since in January MEXT dropped the okane on 28th and at this months I am very low in money, therefore the automatic debit cannot withdraw the payment on 27th. The thing is, today is the last day of the month, and I am afraid that missing it will make my subscription or rent to be in problem.

So what could I do? I am writing this at night, as I don't have time during the day. So I guess all banks and offices are closed.

Today is the last day of my current employment, and I'll be continuing my health insurance voluntarily (have just mailed in the form).

My question is: what happens if I incur medical expenses between now and when I receive my new insurance card? What should I tell the hospital?

Hello! I received the money from the pension return on mid December, but the physical Notification of Lump Sum Withdrawal Payment Confirmation” ( 脱退一時金支給決定通知書) hasn't arrived yet. Is this normal?

Hi community,

maybe this is a stupid question but I just can't wrap my head around it.

I understand that there is the tax bracket system in Japan in the form of

What I wonder is, if e.g. my income is 4,000,000 JPY, will my whole income be taxed on 20% or will the first 1,950,000 JPY be taxed on 5%, then 1,349,999 JPY be taxed on 10%, and so on? So that I would have something below 20%?

I understand that there are also deductions, etc., but I am just wondering about this calculation (for now lol).

It's probably a stupid question but I would still like to have certainty about this.

Background- working in japan for 4 years, non -us citizen so not us tax payer. Currently not sure of long term plan in japan but lets assume I will stay here forever or if I live I might wanna lumpsum withdraw or transfer amount to the new country’s pension system if allowed.

My company is offer matching DC plans with some banks/financial institutions. Another option is pre retirement allowance receiving with my salary which will increase my taxable income. Another option is ideco but my company says ideco and DC cannot be continued together. What would you ideally suggest. In case of DC company portion will be also paid to match, right?

Hello, I am a graduate student, i have a JP Post bank account, with a cash card. I am bit lost if should get a debit card, or the credit card. I know that there is a option called credit card with cash card function, what does it mean though?, this coming february i'll complete 6 months of stay in japan.

throw away as I don't want financial elements linked to myself easily.

I'm a PR holder married to a Japanese national with 2 young kids born in Japan, everyone living in Japan.

I went to talk with our bank (SMBC) about investment plans available for kids (as NISA junior doesn't exist anymore) and got some confusing elements:

1. I was informed that there are no ways to invest directly on your kids name, this leads to having to invest myself and exposing the proceed to gift tax when gifting to kids.

2. I was informed that if my father gives them sub 1.1m JPY per year the NTA will tax as gift tax exemption is not yearly. I could see the NTA asking to verify that it is really a gift and not money laundering/inheritance plan/tax evasion.

3. I can freely use the money deposited on my kids account to use them on a NISA on my name, this also look to me that a far too obvious loophole to use it to +2x on yearly tax gift limit. I'm confident that this will prompt NTA to ask me a bunch of questions.

Note: kids have college funds plan on my name already; personal investments are EU based, no NISA on my name yet (I know).

I already have education investment plans for them on my name and would like build wealth on their name from now on, from all I could read are the only solution real estate or 未成年口座 at rakuten/sbi? Would love some pointers.

Throw away account, long time subreddit reader.

I hold a senior management position in a Japanese company. This year there is a management reorganization occurring which happens generally annually as things grow and change and my authority and responsibilities are being reduced as an obvious prelude to me being forced out gradually.

I have PR, I've been with them for 9 years, and held this senior management position for 5. I haven't done anything wrong per my evaluations as no corrective measures have ever been assigned, so they can't just fire me as far as I understand. That being said I can see the writing on the wall and would like to negotiate my way out as we've had disagreements on how things should be done and the company president isn't great at listening to subordinates.

As I want to receive a sizeable pay to leave cleanly and positively what things should I be checking for as I suggest and negotiate this with the company president and vp? How much enforcement power do NDAs and non-compete clauses have?

Also, how much power do they have to demote someone from a senior management position to a lower level of management without cause? Currently about 30% of my salary is title dependent, and a reduction in job title wouldn't be fun. (not end of world for a bit while job hunting, but absolutely not worth putting up with)

Also not that I want to use them, but I have been around long enough in the company that I was there when the company did things that weren't quite up to snuff, and I know where some of the skeletons are buried.

Apologies if this is the wrong community to post to, I just figured more users in this one would be involved in business. I’m studying Business in Ireland and have received 2 offers to study for one semester in Tokyo next year. Senshu University or Waseda University.

I know the seemingly obvious choice is Waseda. It’s a well renowned university and would be looked on more favourably by a Japanese employer. But if I study at Senshu, I will then study my second semester in Seoul National University. This option isn’t available for Waseda as it is a second semester offer. Additionally Senshu’s program has an emphasis on Japanese language which is really important for me.

What I want to know is if SNU, which is regarded as one of South Korea’s best universities is respected by Japanese companies and if it would carry the same weight as Waseda? I’m definitely leaning towards Senshu and SNU partly because the idea of living in Seoul is exciting and the language aspect. Although I have heard Waseda’s Japanese language centre is very good.

Hope someone can help me feel more decided on this choice. Would love to hear the opinion of someone qualified in the Japanese business and finance world. Thanks for reading. If this is the wrong community could someone point me in the direction of the right one.

Hello,

Starting from 25 March the Japanese eshop is going to stop accepting overseas cards and PayPal only allowing Japanese issued cards.

I'm learning the language and cheap simple games are something I use to boost my learning experience. Sadly following the decision I may be forced to only buy gift cards which is not perfect.

Is there a pre paid card or app that I can use to top up using revolut when needed? I've heard of kyash that requires minimum details and has virtual card.

I've also booked a trip for next year to Japan where I'm planning to get a Japanese mobile number for future purposes in getting any available payment methods for people living abroad.

Thanks for any advice 🙇

I’m wondering what is the expected lifespan of an apartment in Japan, and does it have any residual value to the collective owners at that time?

For example, I saw a 35 year old apartment for ¥2,480万 and wonder if I bought it now how much longer would it remain occupied, how would maintenance and management fees change over the ownership period, and whether the fractional land share is worth anything after demolition and other costs?

Who and how does the housing association for the building, assuming that’s how it works, decide when to knock it down?

I’m arriving in Japan next week and have a U.S. Wise card and a Chase Visa…any updates on where I can get cash? Will the Wise card work in most ATMs or only AEON? Can I use a Visa card in konbinis?

Me and a group of colleagues are trying to open a new tattoo studio in Tokyo. We have all been working here for a few years, and there are no doubts about profitability.

Our issue is we have been struggling for months to find a commercial rental space that will take an international tattoo studio. Our budget is up to around ¥800,00 yen monthly, and we have offered practically blank checks (at one point over ¥15 million in extra deposit) to management companies, but have yet to be accepted.

We are wondering if there are any other options available to us other than waiting, such as to purchase a company that already has a rental contract in place.

Does anyone have any experience with this kind of thing? Any advice or help us greatly appreciated 👍

(We are limited the the Shibuya/Meguro/minato/Shinjuku area, and need at least 60 m^2.)

Hello, a total newbie here and in need for some advice.

Currently waiting for PR in around 2 years later (haven’t apply yet, will be qualified in this year) and by that time I will be 38 years old. My annual is a bit below average with 400man gross annually.

I don’t have family, but I would like 2LDK for future needs. Reastically, how much should I have in saving to get around 2LDK in Kawasaki area?

Thank you in advance!

Am going to place ¥90k per month on tsumitate NISA, would like to get several mutual ETFs with 1) no transfer commission and 2) low risk. Any idea? Plan is to leave things there for more than 15 years.

I currently have a full time job but i will be starting some freelance gigs. i know ill need to pay taxes but wondering if i need to apply for kojin jigyo or some sort of freelancer status?

i heard that if you’re only making under a certain amount per month as a freelancer, you might be able to get away without registering.

for context, i will only have own retainer client where ill receive 190,000 per month.

the rest of my income is from my full time job.

Specifically for the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, I'm looking for odd lots rather than the full stocks, which are often in multipliers of 100 or more.

I tried Moomoo thinking they would have Hong Kong stocks but after opening an account I realised it's not possible.

Rakuten Securities has Hong Kong stocks but you have to purchase them in batches and not odd lots (confirmed, also have an account with them!)

I know ETFs are an option but I'm looking to directly invest in particular stocks.

Would appreciate any information or advice. Thank you!

I've noticed that many older mansion blocks in prime locations of Tokyo get demolished and are rebuilt.....

Typically, the process starts when a development company knocks on owners' doors offering money to sell. Some folks take the cash & move on.

But if one does not want to sell, I'm told the development company is required by law to provide you with a new same-sized new mansion in the new building.

Is this correct?

If anyone has experience in this situation, please share.

Hi

I live in Japan and I am a non-permanent residence. I am planning to invest in some cryptocurrency. My understanding is you only have to declare it when you sell the cryptocurrency whether it is a gain or loss. Just say for example I invest in Bitcoin. Just leave it for 7 years. If the value goes up do I have to declare it? I think this is called unrealized gains. Thanks for any information.

Hello all, First time post. I am living in Japan long-term and no plans to travel back anytime soon.

I have received some money in an account in the US and wanting to transfer it to my Prestia Multi Money USD account to use it for paying bills in USD without having to deal with any crazy exchange rate losses. Is that doable from here with something like Zelle? Any other better options?

Sorry if this question has already been answered— I searched the archives and couldn’t find anything! Thanks in advance!

So I work at an franchise Macdonald . My work time hour is around 26-27 hour per week . Every month I used to got around 120k to 140k . But this month I got deposited 190k . I asked my friend working there if they also got more but they said no. Is it possible that there might be mistake or should I inform my manager ?. I asked my Japanese friend he said the money is deposited not from here but from other company .so I don’t need to inform the manager . What should I do . Will I get in trouble later?

Hello,

I'm a full-time remote employee in Spain. I'm planning to move to Japan with a WHV, the first question would be:

1. Do I need to leave my job or transition to be freelance?
2. Can I continue with my remote full-time job in Spain from Japan without any changes? I guess I would need to pay taxes in Japan and Spain and then ask for a tax return. Does the WHV exclude the rule of needing to be 183 in Spain?

Hello , I bought a car and I am looking for ways to send JPY to Japan and get the cheapest cost on this transaction. Maybe I can split the payment? Can anyone advise?

My wife (Japanese citizen) lived in the US and paid SS for only 9 years. Then moved to Japan and paid into Japanese pension 20+ years . Getting close to 65 now . Can she get the 9 years from SS, or is it wasted? Thanks!