Residence/Zairyu Card Care

Taken from the Immigration Services of Japan website

After having recently moved (for the second time since I came to Japan), I had to change my address by myself. Changing the postal address at the post office was not a big deal, and I somehow got through the interaction at the ward office. We know that Japan is at the top when it comes to customer service.

Yet, for some reason, I had to change my address for the Japan Post Bank as well. I didn't know this, so I had to go on a different occasion. The last time I moved, I had my ex-girlfriend help out with the procedure, but now, I was on my own. My Japanese improved enough to catch the gist of what the staff was saying to me, but I still struggled with the procedure. Despite this, I got through the whole process.

Unfortunately, they rejected my paperwork. They said that they could not use the zairyu card I gave them because it was damaged. Weird, because it was in the same state as it was the last time I changed my address. A letter on my last name had rubbed off. I had spent an hour doing the paperwork and went home with nothing to show for it.

In the end, I started to carry the card in a plastic sleeve in my wallet, to prevent further damage to it. It seems that the printing on the card is done on its plastic surface, as opposed to the card itself and then covered over with the film. Despite the fact that the information on the card was still readable, and my face was on it, I suppose staff here will always follow proper procedure.

You'd think after living here for four years I would have ingrained the idea in my head by now!

Anyway, the purpose of this post was to remind readers that you should probably take better care of the zairyu card. Avoid having it exposed to other cards, and have it in its own section wherever you keep it. Also avoid any exposure to leather, rubber, or other abrasive surfaces. The wallet I keep the card in is made of fake leather, so I do think that the card rubbed with the wallet material while it was in my pocket.

This card is quite important, but somehow also very susceptible to damage. If you think you're taking good care of it, it's always a good idea to check how you do it, just in case.