Send money to Japan

Wise consistently offers the best JPY exchange rates internationally, typically within 0.4% of the mid-market rate. For USD-to-JPY, OFX and CurrencyFair are also competitive for larger amounts. Remitly and WorldRemit cover Japan for smaller everyday transfers. The JPY trades in high volume globally, so rate spreads are generally lower than for emerging market currencies.

Transfers via Wise typically arrive within 1–2 business days. Standard SWIFT transfers from US or European banks take 2–3 business days. Japan Post Bank processes SWIFT receipts by the next business day. MUFG and SMBC are known for faster same-day SWIFT processing.

You need the recipient's full name (in romaji as registered), account number, branch name, and branch code (店番号). SWIFT transfers require the SWIFT code: MUFG (BOTKJPJT), SMBC (SMBCJPJT), Mizuho (MHCBJPJT), Resona (DIWAJPJT), Japan Post Bank (JPPYJPJT). Japan does not use IBAN. Japan Post Bank account numbers have a unique 8-digit format.

Transfers can be made to Suica, Pasmo, or au PAY in Japan only through domestic bank transfer, not directly from abroad. The practical approach is to transfer to a Japanese bank account, then top up the IC card or prepaid service through the bank's app. Most major Japanese banks support this in real time.

Japan has no cap on inbound personal remittances. However, Japanese banks are required to report transfers over JPY 1 million (~$7,000) to JAFIC (Japan Financial Intelligence Center) for AML compliance. This is routine reporting and does not prevent receipt. Providers may request source-of-funds documentation for larger transfers.