Hi everyone,
I'm a 34M French cybersecurity professional relocating to Tokyo in mid-February 2026 for a job. The visa process is underway (COE through recruitment agency), and I'm now tackling the practical logistics. Would appreciate advice from people who've recently made the move.
**Background:**
– 6+ years in cybersecurity (risk management, cloud security, vulnerability assessment)
– Japanese: N5/N4 level, actively studying
– Employment: Starting as contract worker (haken) with potential conversion to seishain
– Timeline: Arriving ~Feb 12-14, start date Feb 16
– Budget: Savings set aside, can cover initial costs (>35k€)
**Looking for practical advice on:**
**1. Essential documents to bring**
Already planning: apostilled diplomas (+ certified translations), passport, bank statements, employment contract
Questions:
– Birth certificate needed? Driver's license (+ translation)?
– Medical records useful, or will I redo everything in Japan?
– Any France-specific documents I'm forgetting?
**2. Housing strategy**
Plan: Temporary accommodation (Airbnb/guesthouse) 2-3 weeks → permanent apartment
Questions:
– Realistic to find apartment within 2-3 weeks as fresh arrival?
– Recommended real estate agents for foreigners in Tokyo? (heard of Plaza Homes, Sakura House, Oak House, Social Appartments?)
– Key things to verify before signing? Red flags?
– Upfront costs: I've budgeted 5-6 months rent equivalent, is it accurate?
**3. Banking & phone**
Questions:
– Best bank for opening account quickly after arrival? (SMBC Prestia, Shinsei, or others?)
– Can I open account same week with fresh residence card, or longer wait?
– Phone & internet provider: Big carrier (Docomo/au/Softbank) vs MVNO (Rakuten Mobile)? Need stable connection for WFH
**4. Work-from-home setup**
Need to buy: Laptop (for personal use + side projects), 2x monitors, peripherals
Context: I do have some labs (virtualization+local AI) + occasional video editing/streaming, so need decent specs
Questions:
– Yodobashi vs BicCamera vs Akihabara shops – best value for tech?
– Import from France vs buy locally – which makes more sense? (voltage/warranty concerns?)
**5. Corporate wardrobe**
The company is casual (heard "business casual"), but I'll need proper attire for external meetings
Questions:
– Affordable shops in Tokyo for business casual? (I'm 175cm/60kg)
– Uniqlo sufficient, or should I look elsewhere?
**6. What am I missing?**
– First-week survival checklist?
– Common mistakes newcomers make in their first month?
– Anything you wish you'd known before arriving?
**Context notes:**
– First long-term stay in Japan (visited twice as tourist)
– No family/friends in Tokyo initially
– Open to all practical tips – trying to avoid expensive rookie mistakes
Thanks in advance for any insights! Happy to clarify if needed.
by Significant-Ask8081