In the first half of February, Japan is still in the grip of severe winter cold,
but as the month progresses, signs of spring slowly begin to appear.
Around mid-February, plum blossoms start to bloom, and you can hear Japanese bush warblers singing,
reminding us that spring is just around the corner. Beautiful scenery, such as the plum groves
at Kairakuen in Mito, can also be enjoyed during this time.
February is also the season when strawberries are at their best, and many strawberry-based sweets
fill store shelves. It is also the season of Valentine’s Day. In Japan, Valentine’s Day is
traditionally a time when women give gifts to men.
For those looking to change jobs, February marks the final stage of job-hunting activities.
Hiring decisions for people starting new jobs in April are made one after another.
In particular, many experienced hires at companies offering good conditions are typically
finalized around February.
確定申告, Kakutei Shinkoku (Tax Return Filing)
From a tax perspective, February marks the start of Japan’s tax return season.
確定申告 (Kakutei Shinkoku) is the process of declaring income earned from January
to December of the previous year in order to pay income tax (or receive a refund).
The filing period usually runs from February 16 to March 15
(in 2026, the deadline is March 16), and tax returns must be submitted
to your local tax office.
For most company employees in Japan, it is generally not necessary to file a tax return themselves.
Their employer handles income tax withholding through the year-end adjustment process
and reports salary and tax amounts to the national and local governments.
However, if you have side income, freelance income, or other temporary earnings,
you may need to file a tax return on your own.
If you are unsure whether you are required to file a tax return,
it is best to check with your tax office or employer as early as possible.
If you want to learn more about tax returns in Japan—especially if you are a foreign resident—check out our detailed guide below.
Do Foreigners Need to File a Tax Return in Japan?
Important Notes on Residence Status and Visas
From February through April, immigration offices are at their busiest time of the year.
It is important to check the following points early:
- Have you completed your application to change to a work visa?
- Are there any unpaid resident taxes or income taxes?
- Do you need to file a tax return?
If you have not completed your work visa change application,
your new residence card may not be ready in time for your company’s April 1 entrance ceremony.
In the future, when applying for a visa renewal or permanent residency,
you will be required to submit a tax payment certificate.
Unpaid taxes can have a very negative impact on visa screening.
Those who have side jobs or work as freelancers may also lose eligibility
for deductions such as medical expense deductions if they do not file a tax return.
Seasonal Customs
節分, Setsubun is a traditional event where people throw roasted soybeans
while chanting, “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto” (“Good fortune in, demons out”).
Originally, the word setsubun referred to seasonal transitions,
but today it specifically means the day before Risshun
(the beginning of spring).
The custom of throwing beans is believed to have started around the Muromachi period
(around 1420) and became widespread among the general public during the Edo period.
Bean-throwing is filled with wordplay and symbolic meanings:
-
魔を滅する, Ma-wo-messuru (魔滅 / Ma-me):
Throwing beans to “destroy evil.” -
魔の目, Ma-no-me (魔目 / Ma-me):
Throwing beans at the demon’s eyes to defeat it.
立春, Risshun (Beginning of Spring)
Risshun marks the beginning of spring on the traditional calendar
and usually falls around February 4.
雨水, Usui
Usui refers to the time when snow gradually changes into rain,
typically around February 19.
Traditionally, this period has been used as a guideline
for starting agricultural preparations.
From late February through March, the weather gradually becomes warmer.
When the strong seasonal wind known as 春一番, haru ichiban blows,
people truly begin to feel that spring has arrived.
In Japan, many new things begin in spring (April).
Government budgets, schools, and companies all typically start in April.
As a result, February and March are busy months as people prepare
for the new fiscal and academic year.
If you want to start something new in Japan,
February is a good time to begin taking action in preparation for spring.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
