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Why This Japanese Salaryman (Who Will Pay $20K+ in Inheritance Tax) Actually Defends It
Tax & Systems

Why This Japanese Salaryman (Who Will Pay $20K+ in Inheritance Tax) Actually Defends It

1 in 10 Japanese estates now hit inheritance tax, double a decade ago. A salaryman from a low-income family explains why he supports paying it.

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Japan's Hidden Mortgage Trap: The 5-Year Rule That's Not What You Think (And Why US ARMs Are Actually Simpler)
Tax & Systems

Japan's Hidden Mortgage Trap: The 5-Year Rule That's Not What You Think (And Why US ARMs Are Actually Simpler)

Japanese variable-rate mortgages hide rate rises behind a fixed payment. How the two 'safety' mechanisms work, and what 80% of borrowers never grasp.

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I Ran the Numbers on Japan's New 'Singles Tax.' Even as a Parent, I Can't Celebrate
Tax & Systems

I Ran the Numbers on Japan's New 'Singles Tax.' Even as a Parent, I Can't Celebrate

Japan began collecting a childcare support levy from every paycheck in April 2026. I ran the costs and benefits for my own household. The math surprised me.

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Japan iDeCo Lump Sum vs Pension at 60: Which Saves More Tax? (Full ¥10M Calculation)
Tax & Systems

Japan iDeCo Lump Sum vs Pension at 60: Which Saves More Tax? (Full ¥10M Calculation)

Lump sum or pension for iDeCo in Japan? For retirement benefits under ¥20M, lump sum wins. Full math on a ¥10M + ¥10M case, including the 10-year rule.

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I Contributed to Japan's 401(k) for 7 Years Without Once Thinking About How to Cash Out
Tax & Systems

I Contributed to Japan's 401(k) for 7 Years Without Once Thinking About How to Cash Out

I started iDeCo in 2019 and never thought about the exit. Then Japan changed the rules in 2026, and I realized how naive I'd been.

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Japan 2026 Tax Changes Explained: ¥580K Basic Deduction, ¥1.6M Wall, and the Furusato Nozei Trap
Tax & Systems

Japan 2026 Tax Changes Explained: ¥580K Basic Deduction, ¥1.6M Wall, and the Furusato Nozei Trap

Japan's basic deduction rose to ¥580,000 in 2026. The ¥1.03M income wall moved to ¥1.6M. Plus a furusato nozei One-Stop pitfall that voids your break.

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Children's NISA Japan 2027: ¥600K Limit, Eligibility & Should You Open One Before Your Own?
Tax & Systems

Children's NISA Japan 2027: ¥600K Limit, Eligibility & Should You Open One Before Your Own?

Japan's Children's NISA launches January 2027: ¥600K a year, ¥6M lifetime, tax-free for ages 0-17. The math says fill your own account first. One caveat.

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Tax Season Is Here. As an Index Investor With $130K in Unrealized Gains, I Had Almost Nothing to Do
Tax & Systems

Tax Season Is Here. As an Index Investor With $130K in Unrealized Gains, I Had Almost Nothing to Do

8 years of index investing, $130K in unrealized gains, zero investment tax work. Here's exactly how e-Tax works and why I still file every year.

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