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My Number: The Social Security and Tax Number System

In this system individual numbers ("My Number") will be assigned to each registered resident of Japan. Adopting this system will make it possible for data related to social security, taxes and disaster measures to be efficiently administered, to ascertain whether personal data existing at multiple agencies are the same person's data, and to simplify administrative procedures.

Be aware that...

  1. This system will apply to non-Japanese nationalities who have registered as residents with mid- to long-term stay visa status and special permanent residents.
  2. Your number will be used throughout your life, except in cases when it is suspected that it has been leaked and is being used for illicit purposes. Please do not forget your number. Please also be sure to store the notification card in a safe place.
  3. The notification card regarding your individual number will be sent by registered mail to the place of residence you provided when registering as a resident, and cannot be forwarded to a lab or other location. It must be received in person.
  4. An individual number card will be issued for free to those who would like one. Affix a photograph of your face to the application form that will be delivered with the notification card and mail it with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. You can also apply over the Internet.
    Important! Individual number cards will be sent to the municipal office with jurisdiction over your place of residence. After receiving notice that your card has been issued, please bring your residence card and notification card to the relevant section at your municipal office to collect the card. You will need to designate a secret personal identification number.

Notes:
1. Please check the Cabinet Secretariat website for more information:

Inquiries:

2. The Basic Resident Registration System will be shifted to the individual number (social security and tax number) system.

 

*If notification card of your 12-digit individual number or individual number card was lost or stolen:
 
 (For Notification card of your 12-digit individual number) 
  1. Report its loss or theft to the police. (Please make sure to write down the police report number.) 
  2. Ask municipal office where you registered your address to re-issue the notification card. 
 
(For Individual number card) 
  1. Report its loss or theft to the police. (Please make sure to write down the police report number.) 
  2. Call "Individual card call center" immediately to invalidate your number.
    TEL:0570-783-578 (Mon-Fri 8:30 - 17:30, Sat, Sun and Holidays 9:30 - 17:30)
       *Probably no English speaker
  3. Ask a municipal office where you registered your address to re-issue the number 
 
Note: You have to pay the reissue fee to make new card. 
 
(e.g) Chofu city charges the following fees for the re-issuance (as of April 2016):
                Notification  Card: 500 JPY
                Individual Number Card:750 JPY
 
Please also refer to the following URL:
 https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/faq/index.html

 

Created: June 26, 2015 / Last modified:April 19, 2016