The My Number Card, officially known as the Individual Number Card, is a useful official photo identification document for international students living in Japan. Issued through the Japan Agency for Local Authority Information Systems (J-LIS)—an organization operated jointly by prefectures and municipalities—alongside local city offices, it verifies both your identity and your assigned Individual Number in one document. Holding this card simplifies routine administrative tasks, enabling students to access online government portals and obtain official certificates directly at convenience store terminals.
Why should international students get a My Number Card?
When arriving in Japan to study at a language school, university, or graduate program, students must navigate several administrative procedures. Obtaining a My Number Card offers multiple functional benefits that make daily living in Japan much easier. First, it serves as an all-in-one document whenever both identity verification and My Number confirmation are required, such as when opening a new account at a financial institution or applying for a new passport.
In addition, the card allows you to complete various government and municipal procedures online without taking time off to visit local government offices in person. Cardholders can log into official portals, including the My Number site, to submit electronic forms such as e-Tax returns. The electronic functions integrated into the card are also designed to facilitate private online transactions, such as setting up online banking services.
What administrative documents can be printed at convenience stores?
One of the most practical everyday benefits for foreign students is the convenience store issuance service. Rather than visiting a local city hall or ward office during class hours, cardholders can request official documentation directly from multi-purpose kiosk terminals located inside local stores.
This issuance service operates at approximately 55,000 retail locations nationwide, including convenience stores and supermarkets. It is currently available across 740 participating municipalities, covering a total population of around 103 million people. Kiosks are accessible from early morning until late at night, specifically between 6:30 am and 23:00 pm, including on Saturdays, Sundays, and national public holidays.
Depending on your registered municipality, the official certificates you can print include:
- A copy of your Resident Record (Juminhyo)
- A Seal Registration Certificate
- A Certificate of Items Stated in the Resident Record
- Various tax payment certificates
- A Certificate of Family Register and Copy of Supplemental Family Register
Because available documents vary between local municipal governments, students should verify specific options with their local ward office or check the official information provided by J-LIS.
How do electronic certificates on the card work?
The My Number Card contains a secure microchip with two separate electronic certificates, each created for specific online identification needs.
Signature Electronic Certificate
The electronic certificate for the bearer's signature is used when creating or transmitting electronic documents over the internet. It guarantees that the submitted digital file is genuine and was created or sent by the registered cardholder. This certificate is required for filing official electronic applications (such as e-Tax) and enrolling in private online operations like internet banking.
User Identification Electronic Certificate
The electronic certificate for user identification confirms your identity when logging into online websites or using multi-purpose kiosk terminals. It validates that the person attempting to log in is indeed the registered card owner. You use this certificate when signing into government portals—such as the Disclosure System of Personal Information Cooperation Record—or accessing convenience store document terminals.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing for your studies in Japan, arranging suitable housing is an important early step. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing their local address registration and setting up daily routines. The best time to organize your accommodations is after your visa or Certificate of Eligibility is issued, ensuring your move-in dates align with your arrival schedule. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. No guarantor, no key money and no agency fee; booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). Securing flexible, straightforward housing allows you to focus smoothly on your classes and local procedures.
FAQ
Where can I print official certificates using my card?
You can print official documents like your Resident Record at multi-purpose kiosk terminals in approximately 55,000 convenience stores and supermarkets across participating municipalities nationwide.
What hours is the convenience store certificate service available?
The service is available daily from 6:30 am until 23:00 pm, including Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
What are the two types of electronic certificates on the card?
The card contains a signature electronic certificate for submitting digital documents and e-Tax, and a user identification electronic certificate for logging into websites and convenience store kiosks.
Sources
- www.kojinbango-card.go.jp「6 advantages of the Individual Number Card – マイナンバーカード総合サイト」(checked 2026-10-21)
Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.