I’m a long term foreign resident in Japan and I want to share a pattern I’ve experienced across multiple systems, not just one company.
This has been an issue for years, but it has become more visible recently. When a foreign resident’s name does not fit Japan’s assumptions (single surname, Japanese script, fixed order), identity verification often breaks down in ways that feel discriminatory.
Mercari:
I have submitted my Residence Card multiple times for identity verification. Despite these being Japanese government issued IDs, my applications keep being rejected with messages saying there is a “mistake” or that my name does not match. The requests are vague and sometimes ask for documents that do not exist for many foreigners. I currently have an open inquiry that has not resolved the issue.
MUFG Bank:
When opening a bank account, the process took much longer than expected. I was asked to show not only my current Residence Card, but also older cards to prove length of stay. When names didn’t match due to updates, my passport was checked and even my Japan entry stamps were reviewed. I was explicitly told this was because “there are many foreign scammers.”
Even after the account was opened, essential functions like one time password registration failed with unexplained errors, making basic banking difficult.
What stands out is not inconvenience, but the pattern:
Moving goalposts for foreigners
Extra scrutiny framed as “security”
Systems that cannot handle multiple surnames or Roman letter names
A presumption of suspicion rather than neutrality
I’m not claiming malicious intent by individuals. But the result is a system that repeatedly excludes foreign residents from basic services.
I’m curious:
Have others experienced similar issues after name changes or even without them?
Is this getting worse recently, or am I just noticing it more?
I’m sharing this not to attack any single company, but to highlight what feels like a structural problem in how foreign residents are treated.
by Green-Butterscotch-5