RetireJapan

I don't know if giving up citizenship may make you more likely to be flagged when entering the US? That is a valid point, sadly. Since I plan on going back at least once or twice a year while my mom is still in somewhat decent health this is a real consideration. @Ben, I’m sorry to hear you had an ...

Unfortunately US tax rules for citizens (regardless of country of residence) mean that it is very difficult to take advantage of NISA or iDECO. I could use them but my understanding is that the US would tax the gains on those accounts [maybe even at the higher foreign earned income rate) making it r...

I’ve recently been thinking about applying for Japanese citizenship instead of PR and am wondering if there are any downsides I haven’t thought of. This has been my home for nearly 20 years, my family is here, my child has US/Japanese dual citizenship so they can choose which they want when the time...

I have a squarish leather zip up one by a maker in Saitama called Beau Dessin (plugging them because it’s a small business and fantastic wallet!). It holds my bills, work & zairyu IDs, trainIC card, cash and credit card, has a change pocket, and a keychain. It’s about 2cm thick and probably abou...

Thank you everyone for your input. It was helpful to hear about your experiences. Air B&B seems like more trouble than it’s worth unless we got a property in a hot tourist area (then it would be a lot of work still but potentially a decent return—still not something I really want to do). If we w...

As my one remaining parent is getting older I’ve thought more about some of the pros and cons of getting a home in the US in the future. I don’t have siblings and the family home (or funds from sale of it) will go to me. We would either simply invest all of that, or use some of it to purchase a smal...

Thank you Captainspoke. That was very helpful as always! The only reason I'm hesitant to take the parent's name off the account is concern about the brokerage deciding that they will close it since I am a Japan resident. That said, I do still have the same US address so can hope they would not close...

Hi everyone, I have a few questions regarding joint brokerage accounts (held in the US) and the declaration of assets as well as inheritance. I’m a US citizen, Japan tax resident but have my investments in US brokerages. I know I need to speak with a tax professional to get the best information but ...

I’ve been thinking about the personal effects of climate change more and more each year as we’re getting an increasing number of floods, heatwaves, etc. across the country. We hope to move out of Tokyo in the next 2 to 3 years and I’m wondering what parts of the country will most likely be more resi...

It's your lucky day or should I say maybe my lucky day. :) I'm a farmer that would be more than happy to directly sell my grapes and peaches to customers. If you or anyone is interested in supporting a farmer directly, you can send me a pm and I will send you a link to my website. Wilbur, thanks fo...