tagawa wrote: ↑Mon Oct 09, 2023 3:11 am
Another data point, if it helps:
In the past I've used OFX (GBP->JPY) with good rates, although yes, it's a bit more onerous than simply bank->bank.
I also did a US->Japan transfer to my Shinsei account a couple of years ago that went over some threshold and triggered a security check. They phoned me up and wouldn't release the funds until I'd sent paperwork to show where the funds came from. It was fine in the end but a bit of a hassle, and made it hard to predict how long it would take.
I seem to remember the Shinsei rates being better than I expected so I'd probably choose that for a one-off transfer, but be prepared for a paperwork request.
It is normally your most recent tax return, which should clear you for two years or so. You can transfer over one million yen after that with no further phone calls.