I'm a Japanese American with dual citizenship planning on moving back to Japan this summer (at least temporarily). I am born and raised in the US and have a US Driver's License, but am planning to live with relatives temporarily, and then possibly buy a house in Japan after a few months, if circumstances align. Am I able to get an international driver's license for the first year that I'm there, even if I register as a resident (住民票)? Or am I required to get a full Japanese Driver's License immediately?
The U.S. Embassy of Japan states: "“Residents” are expected to convert or obtain a Japanese drivers license. Persons using an international drivers license who are resident in Japan can be subject to fines or arrest." (Driving in Japan – U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan) I've heard anecdotally of some dual citizens getting an IDP temporarily and then converting to a Japanese license, and really not sure where I stand in the law exactly, as sometimes things are murky with dual citizenship. Thanks!
by emmalog