For many people, moving to — and working in — Tokyo is a dream. It’s easy to see why: The city has myriad opportunities in business, research and the creative industries. For business owners and entrepreneurs, being located here makes it easy to forge connections across Asia and around the world. There’s also the quality of life: safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, extensive public transportation and, obviously, the culture.
But the idea of packing up and moving to Tokyo can be quite daunting. Settling in often involves navigating a range of bureaucratic procedures, many of which require at least some knowledge of Japanese. From finding housing and setting up utilities to understanding healthcare, insurance, banking and municipal procedures, newcomers quickly face a steep learning curve.
Fortunately, a support system exists. For those looking for personalized help, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched a special service, the International Residents Support Center Tokyo (IRSC Tokyo), which aims to demystify the process of starting a life in Tokyo. It exists solely to support entrepreneurs, company employees and researchers as well as their family members, making it easier to navigate daily life in Japan’s capital city.
What the International Residents Support Center Tokyo Does
IRSC Tokyo is a government-backed support system offering free consultations in English and Japanese, guidance on daily procedures and connections to local offices and services.
Bilingual advisors are available to assist you by phone, email or face-to-face — whichever you prefer. They’ll explain the necessary procedures to you step by step and connect you with the appropriate offices and services, helping you navigate municipal procedures, healthcare, banking, housing and other essential systems.
If necessary, the advisors can even accompany you in-person to appointments to provide on-site support.
Help With Healthcare, Insurance, Opening a Japanese Bank Account and More
Think of IRSC Tokyo as a dedicated concierge that will make life in Tokyo easier to navigate. The service can help with whatever you might feel confused about — be it administrative paperwork, housing and utilities, healthcare and insurance, opening bank accounts or even just understanding local customs.
For those who are in the process of moving or who’ve recently arrived in Tokyo, advisors can explain the necessary steps for municipal procedures related to moving, guide residents through utility setup and provide information on schools or childcare options. They also advise on everyday matters, such as waste disposal rules. If you need assistance with medical care, they can help you find a clinic or explain the process of visiting a hospital.
By offering one-on-one support in both English and Japanese, IRSC Tokyo addresses the practical barriers that can make adjusting to life in Tokyo feel daunting. These are not insurmountable problems; having a structured support system helps residents complete essential tasks efficiently and reduces the risk of missteps.
Navigating Life in Tokyo
Living in Tokyo involves more than just finding a job or office space — it requires understanding and integrating into a new system. With support from IRSC Tokyo, foreign professionals and their families can approach these challenges with clarity and structure.
By guiding residents through everyday procedures and connecting them with the right offices and services, the center helps make life in Tokyo manageable from the start. It’s a resource designed to remove unnecessary stress, allowing newcomers to focus on their work, settle in effectively and engage with the city with confidence.
More Info
To learn more about the International Residents Support Center Tokyo, visit its website.
