Newsletter

Aki’s Japan Tax Newsletter

Japanese tax, explained in English.
Practical notes on Japanese tax, filing, and related issues for people living or doing business in Japan.
Sent about twice a month.

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What You’ll Receive

  • Japanese tax rules explained in plain English
  • Practical filing and payment issues
  • Overseas income and assets as they relate to Japanese tax
  • Tax topics for residents and non-residents
  • Occasional notes on working and living in Japan

Sample Issues

A few examples of topics covered in past newsletters.

AKI Japan Tax Consultant Office | Income Tax, Corporate Tax, International Tax matters | Newsletter

Home Loans in Japan Without Permanent Residency

Buying a home in Japan without permanent residency may be possible, but requirements vary between banks.

This issue looks at practical points such as the income shown on Japanese tax returns, how self-employed applicants may be assessed, and why reducing taxable income does not always help when applying for a mortgage.

Practical takeaway: If you are considering buying a home, it may be worth thinking about your financing plans before making major changes to your reported income.

Deers

Japan’s Tax-Free Shopping Rules Are Changing

Japan’s tax-free shopping system will change to a refund-based system in November 2026.

This issue explains how the new system will work, including paying the tax-inclusive price first and receiving a refund after customs confirms that the goods are being taken out of Japan.

Practical takeaway: Travelers and businesses dealing with overseas visitors should be aware that the process will be quite different from the current system.

AKI Japan Tax Consultant Office | Income Tax, Corporate Tax, International Tax matters | Newsletter

Tax Traps in Depreciating Jointly Owned Assets

Joint ownership can reduce an asset’s market value, but that does not necessarily mean the same discount applies for Japanese inheritance tax purposes.

This issue looks at the difference between actual market value and tax valuation, and why jointly owned assets can create unexpected tax consequences.

Practical takeaway: When considering joint ownership, it is important to look at both the commercial value of the asset and how it will be valued for Japanese tax purposes.

Who This Newsletter Is For

This newsletter is for people who want to better understand Japanese tax and related practical issues in English.

  • Individuals living in Japan
  • Freelancers and sole proprietors
  • Small business owners
  • People outside Japan with Japanese tax matters
  • Tax and accounting professionals interested in Japanese tax

Subscribe to Aki’s Japan Tax Newsletter

Practical notes on Japanese tax and related topics, sent about twice a month.
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