This article is written by a Japanese local.
The greatest advantage of obtaining a MyNumber Card is that convenience stores nationwide effectively become “miniature municipal offices available 365 days a year.” For busy business professionals, taking time off during a weekday just to visit a ward office is a significant loss of time.
In addition to obtaining a Resident Certificate (Juminhyo) as discussed in the previous article, the Japanese administrative system is equipped to let you issue various other essential documents, such as tax records and seal certificates, right at the convenience store. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the types of certificates available to foreigners, the fee discount system, and the specific issuing process.
1. Major Official Certificates Available at Convenience Stores
[Summary] Foreigners can obtain “Resident Certificates,” “Seal Registration Certificates,” and “Tax Certificates.” Because foreigners do not possess Japanese citizenship, “Family Register” (Koseki) certificates are not applicable.
Using the multi-copy machines installed in convenience stores, you can instantly print the following major official certificates required for daily life and business:
- Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo): Proof of your address. You can choose whether to print it for the entire household or just yourself, and flexibly specify whether to include information like your MyNumber or visa details (status of residence, expiration date, etc.).
- Certificate of Seal Registration (Inkan Shomeisho): A mandatory certificate for purchasing a car or signing real estate contracts. (*You must have completed the official seal registration process at the ward office beforehand).
- Taxation/Tax Payment Certificates (Kazei / Nozei Shomeisho): Documents proving your income status and that you are paying your resident taxes correctly. These are frequently requested during visa renewal applications or mortgage screenings.
Note: Because foreign nationals do not fall under the Japanese “Family Register” (Koseki) system, you cannot issue family register transcripts, even if the option appears on the machine’s menu.
2. The Economic Benefit of “Fee Discounts”
[Summary] To promote digitalization, many municipalities set the issuance fees at convenience stores 100 to 200 JPY cheaper than at the physical city hall counters.
Issuing certificates at a convenience store does not just save time; it offers clear financial benefits. To encourage the use of MyNumber Cards and reduce congestion at service counters, many cities and wards in Japan offer discounted fees for convenience store issuance.
For example, in a municipality where a Resident Certificate or Seal Certificate costs “300 JPY per copy” at the counter, the multi-copy machine will generally print it for a discounted rate of “200 JPY” or “150 JPY per copy.” Payments can be made in cash, and depending on the store, with transit IC cards (like Suica) or electronic money.
3. The Specific Operation Process at the Multi-Copy Machine
[Summary] Simply select “Administrative Services,” place your MyNumber Card, enter your 4-digit PIN, and follow the on-screen instructions to choose and print your required certificate.
The operation is designed to be intuitive, even if you are not fluent in Japanese. The basic steps, which are common across major chains like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson, are as follows:
- Step 1: Select “Administrative Services” (Gyosei Service) on the multi-copy machine’s touch panel.
- Step 2: Follow the prompt to place your MyNumber Card on the designated IC card reader.
- Step 3: Enter the “4-digit PIN” you set when you received the card.
- Step 4: Choose the type of certificate you wish to issue (Resident Certificate, Tax Certificate, etc.) and check the necessary details to include.
- Step 5: Insert the payment and start printing. Once printing is complete, never forget to collect your documents and your MyNumber Card.
4. Practical Q&A (Operating Hours and Unavailable Cases)
[Summary] Service hours are daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. However, the service is temporarily unavailable immediately after moving, during the New Year holidays, or during system maintenance.
Q. Can I issue certificates late at night or early in the morning?
A. While the convenience stores themselves are open 24 hours, the system operating hours for accessing administrative networks are strictly set from “6:30 AM to 11:00 PM.” As long as it is within these hours, you can issue documents without any problems, even on weekends and national holidays. However, the service is entirely unavailable during the New Year period (December 29 to January 3) and during scheduled municipal system maintenance days.
Q. Can I print a Resident Certificate with my new address at a convenience store on the exact day I move?
A. No. To issue a Resident Certificate with your new address at a convenience store, you must first go to the city hall to submit your “Moving-in Notification” (Tennyu-todoke) and simultaneously complete the “address change procedure for your MyNumber Card.” Furthermore, even after completing the paperwork at the counter, there is usually a time lag of a few days before the new data syncs with the convenience store system.
Conclusion: Maximize the Use of Efficient Living Infrastructure
Japanese municipal procedures tend to be complex and time-consuming, but utilizing the convenience store issuance service with your MyNumber Card nullifies most of that stress. When you need official documents, discard the option of lining up at a government counter. Instead, adopt the smart approach of mastering the fast, discounted convenience store administrative services.