Revised on October 5, 2021
This page compares different main Japanese banks in different aspects, from required oral skills to months spent in Japan. Banks are ranked from recommended to not so recommended for new E-track students.
Submitting your “My Number” to your bank allows you to make overseas remittances and gives you access to other services.

Japan Post Bank
- Official Website
- Openable straightaway after arriving in Japan
- Domestic / international transfers available straightaway
Closest Branch to TIU | Kasumigaseki Branch |
Identification | Signature or Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Not required |
Requirements & Conditions
- Openable only in your area of residence
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Student ID
- Japanese Phone Number
- Social Security Number (US Nationals only)
- Personal Identity Card (Japanese Nationals only)

Mizuho Bank
- Official Website
- Kawagoe Branch accounts are not charged for money-transferring transactions to TIU
Closest Branches to TIU | Kawagoe Branch / Kawagoe-Ekimae Branch |
Identification | Non-rubber nor self-inking Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Not required |
Requirements & Conditions
- Have lived in Japan for 6 months
- Advanced Japanese skills, or someone who can speak Japanese
- Openable only in your area of residence
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Student ID
- Japanese Phone Number
- Passport
- Social Security Number (US Nationals only)

Saitama Resona Bank
- Official Website
- Seal will not be needed if you have lived in Japan for over 6 months
Closest Branch to TIU | Kasumigaseki Branch |
Identification | Non-self-inking Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Not required |
Requirements & Conditions
- Have lived in Japan for 6 months
- Advanced Japanese skills, or someone who can speak Japanese
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Student ID
- Japanese Phone Number
- Passport
- Financial Document (E.g. Tuition Slips, Estate Contracts)
- Social Security Number (US Nationals only)

Shinsei Bank
- Official Website
- Application through Post is possible
Closest Branches to TIU | Ikebukuro Branch / Omiya Branch |
Identification | Signature or Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Needed if under 20 |
Requirements & Conditions
- Have lived in Japan for 6 months
- For underaged applications, legal guardian needs to be living in Japan
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Japanese Phone Number
- My Number
- Driver’s License

Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
Closest Branch to TIU | Kawagoe Branch |
Identification | Non-rubber nor self-inking Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Not required |
Requirements & Conditions
- Have lived in Japan for 6 months
- Advanced Japanese skills
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Japanese Phone Number
- Student ID / Certificate of Enrollment
- My Number
- Passport

Sumitomo Mitsui Bank
Closest Branch to TIU | Kawagoe Branch |
Identification | Non-rubber nor self-inking Hanko (Seal) stamp |
Permission from Guardian | Not required |
Requirements & Conditions
- Have lived in Japan for 6 months
- Advanced Japanese skills
- Expiration date of Residence Card has to be more than 3 months away
- Appointments needed
Necessary Documents
- Residence Card
- Japanese Phone Number
- Passport
- Social Security Number (US Nationals only)