Bank account in Tokyo

I wanted to open a bank account when I first moved to Tokyo. It turned out to be quite difficult: most banks required evidence of a long stay in Japan, such as a working visa or at least an alien card. I had high hopes for Shinsei Bank, since they were the most modern of the big banks and even had an English Internet banking service. Sadly, even they needed to see a valid visa before opening an account.

I was going to wait until my work visa arrived before trying to open an account. But then somebody suggested I go to Tokyo Mitsubishi Bank in Roppongi. Easy! I opened up a regular passbook account, and all they needed to see was my passport. I even had the option of a Pooh Bear ATM card.

I already had my alien card by that time, so I could probably have opened an account elsewhere anyway. But it was good to have the account at Tokyo Mitsubishi, especially since there are branches everywhere.