Opening an ordinary account (futsu koza)

Firstly decide whether you will use your signature or your inkan seal, and decide how to write your name in katakana. When you go to the bank, take:

1. your passport
2. certificate of alien registration, and
3. some cash to deposit.

Even just 100 yen is enough for an initial deposit. When you enter the bank, take a slip and wait for your number to be called. Go to the counter, fill in the application form, and complete the procedures. You will need to think of a four-digit PIN, for using ATMs. Your card and passbook will be sent to you in about a week. Most Japanese bank accounts use passbooks rather than issuing monthly statements.

Shinsei Bank provides online banking in English. You can open an account by mail or at a branch, without an inkan, and make deposits in yen or foreign currencies. See http://www.shinseibank.com/english/.

Citibank accounts can be used with yen and US dollars, and several other currencies.

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Wako branch, will also allow you to open an account without an inkan, but you will need to bring your RIKEN ID card.

Post Office Accounts

Many banks are local and do not have branches around the country. Post office savings or “time savings” (fixed-term deposit) accounts are convenient because you can use any post office ATM in Japan, with no handling charge even at weekends.

You can open an account at any post office. Take your certificate of alien registration, inkan seal (unless you want to use your signature), and some money (minimum 1000 yen). An ATM card will be sent to you by registered mail within a week. This card cannot be used in bank ATMs. Post offices’ savings counters are separate from the mail counters, and are open for shorter hours.