🌟Banking, Investment, and Taxation for US Citizens in Japan — DAJ News and Events
It is 25 years since the attack on the United States on 9/11. So much has happened since then, much of it flowing from those times. But today, we address some more practical issues - financial ones for our members in Japan.
A message from your DAJ National Officers: Eric (Acting Chair), Dave (Secretary), and Raymond (Treasurer)
DA Japan Events: https://www.democratsabroad.org/jp_events
Vote from Abroad: https://www.votefromabroad.org
🏦 Need an International-Friendly US Bank Account?
Democrats Abroad has signed up to enable its members to join the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU) — a US-based, full-service federal credit union with experience serving members who live internationally. Services may include US checking and savings accounts, online and mobile banking with support for international addresses, international money transfers, and credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.
As a Democrats Abroad member, you have a qualifying path to apply. Learn more here. SDFCU will also be holding webinars — registration links at democratsabroad.org/taxation_events.
💡 Did You Know? US Taxes for Americans in Japan
All US citizens must file US tax returns — but it's not as painful as it sounds for most residents of Japan.
The good news on earned income (wages and salary): The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) exempts the first $132,900 of foreign earned income from US income tax for 2026. Beyond that, Japanese national and local taxes combined are generally higher than US federal income tax rates — so you typically would only need to pay the US if the US tax exceeded what you've already paid to Japan.
Things get more complicated for unearned income — investment income, dividends, royalties, pensions, and similar — and this is where the gotchas are for US taxpayers in Japan. Democrats Abroad cannot provide tax advice, but our upcoming Tax Webinar will be able to answer your questions.
RSVP for our Tax Webinar on September 19th at 10am — presented by Andrew Haley, licensed tax professional. It's election season, not tax season, but this webinar covers exactly the kind of year-round financial planning that US citizens in Japan need to know. A small donation is requested for tickets.
👉 RSVP for the Tax Webinar here
🌟It's Also Election Season — Ways to Get Involved
November 3rd is 53 days away. While you're thinking about your finances, don't forget your vote — and don't forget that every American you know in Japan is a potential voter. Here's what you can do:
⚡ Request your ballot by email now
As an overseas voter, federal law gives you the right to have your ballot delivered electronically. Go to VoteFromAbroad.org, fill out the FPCA form, and request email delivery. Official ballots go out September 19th. If your state allows electronic return, use it. Check your state's rules at votefromabroad.org/states.
📬 In a postal-return state? Send your Backup Ballot now!
If you vote in AR, CT, GA, IA, ID, IL, KY, MD, MI, MN, MO, NH, NY, OH, PA, SD, TN, TX, VA, VT, WI, or WY, federal law lets you send a Backup Ballot before your official ballot even arrives. Full details: What is a Backup Ballot? Need help? [email protected] or votefromabroad.org/voter-support.
📅 September 15 — International Voter Registration Day
Make sure you're registered! Go to VoteFromAbroad.org and complete your FPCA today. Tell every American you know in Japan — registration only takes a few minutes at www.VoteFromAbroad.org.
🗳️ September 19 — Official Ballot Drop Day
Official ballots go out by email on September 19th — 45 days before Election Day. If you've requested email delivery, watch your inbox. Complete and return your ballot as soon as you receive it. Electronic return is the safest option if your state allows it — check votefromabroad.org/states.
📅 Kanto Action Meeting — Saturday September 19th, 3:00pm
Irish Pub An Sólás, Shibuya — Special Guest Speaker!
This month's Kanto Action Meeting features a guest speaker from Young Democrats of New York. Open discussion on getting out the vote and planning for November. RSVP: Kanto Action Meeting September
👑 Defy the Tyrant: Vote Today! — Friday October 17th
In solidarity with the No Kings movement
October 17th is a No Kings Day in the US. DAJ Kanto will mark the occasion with a special event: Come out, show your support for democracy and return your ballot that day as an act of democratic defiance. RSVP here.
📞 Phone Banking — Mondays and Thursdays through Election Day
Call Democrats Abroad members and make sure everyone is registered and ready to vote. Sign up for training at democratsabroad.org/phonebanking_training, then join an Action Hour: next session September 7th.
🌏 Activate AP for GOTV — Monthly Virtual Meet-ups through October
Connect with new members and volunteers across Asia Pacific. Next session: September 14th, then monthly through October.
🌟DA Global — DA Resists!
Check out suggested Take Actions and join the Defending Democracy team. For more: DA Resists! page.
🌟Volunteer, Donate
- Interested in helping out? Sign up HERE
- Support our GOTV activities: Donate to DA Japan
🌟DAJ on Social Media
Tune in and help spread the word!
- Blue Sky
- Twitter/X
- YOUTUBE
- Check out the Blue Vote Café Podcast with fascinating interviews on matters important to overseas voters.
DA Japan - representing US Voters in Japan.
Together, We Win!
http://www.democratsabroad.org/jp