Japan's online banks open accounts fast; traditional banks offer more. Documents for foreigners, residence cards and hanko, and whether tourists can apply.
The core hurdle in Japan is identity, not money: traditional banks and most online banks require a residence card plus a Japanese address, so tourists and short stays are effectively shut out. If you plan to settle, complete resident registration first.
Rakuten Bank, Sony Bank, Sumishin SBI Net Bank and PayPay Bank all have no minimum deposit: upload your residence card and identity checks in the app. Good for everyday payments and remittances.
MUFG Bank and SMBC have no minimum deposit but require a branch visit and usually a hanko. Suited to people needing cash services, loans or corporate banking.
Passport, residence card, Japanese address proof (resident certificate or tenancy contract), and a Japanese phone number; some banks also want a student or employment certificate. Your romanized name must match the residence card — mismatches are the most common rework.
When remitting from Japan, watch FX fees and correspondent-bank deductions at each bank. Major banks have foreign-language desks; online bank apps are multilingual but support is mainly Japanese — for urgent matters, phone or branch is safer.
Almost never. Mainstream banks require a residence card and a Japanese address, and tourists are usually refused. If you plan to stay, complete resident registration first.
Online and traditional banks generally have no minimum — one-yen opening is common marketing. Watch for balance floors and monthly-fee conditions by account type.
Mostly for traditional-branch paperwork; online banks accept e-signatures. Get your residence card and resident certificate first, then prepare per the bank's checklist.