Quick Answer
This is official mail related to your My Number (Individual Number). Three types are common: the 個人番号通知書 (kojin bango tsuchisho), which notifies you of your number; the 交付申請書 (kofu shinseisho), the application form for the physical card; and the 交付通知書 (kofu tsuchisho), a postcard telling you that "your card is ready for pickup." First identify which type you received, then decide whether you need to visit your municipal (city, ward, town, or village) office. For anything you are unsure about, follow the office's instructions.
What This Document Is
My Number is the 12-digit Individual Number Japan assigns to every resident (including foreign residents with a residence status), used for tax, social insurance, and disaster-related procedures. Around it, you may receive several kinds of documents:
- 個人番号通知書 (kojin bango tsuchisho): notifies you of your My Number itself. The former 通知カード (tsuchi kado, notification card) is no longer newly issued and this document is what you receive instead — but note the difference: unlike a still-valid notification card, the 個人番号通知書 cannot be used to prove your My Number (for example to an employer or a bank) and is not an identity document; it only informs you of the number.
- 交付申請書（QR コード付き） (kofu shinseisho, application form with QR code): the form used to apply for the physical マイナンバーカード (My Number Card), usually printed with a QR code.
- 交付通知書 (kofu tsuchisho): a postcard notifying you that your card has been produced and can be picked up at the designated counter.
Common Fields on the Document
- 個人番号 / マイナンバー (kojin bango / My Number): your 12-digit Individual Number.
- 個人番号通知書 (kojin bango tsuchisho): the document notifying you of your number.
- 交付通知書 (kofu tsuchisho): the notice that your card is ready for pickup (a postcard, はがき / hagaki).
- 交付場所 / 交付窓口 (kofu basho / kofu madoguchi): the location and counter where you pick up the card.
- 交付期限 (kofu kigen): the deadline for picking up the card at the counter.
- 暗証番号 (ansho bango): the PIN you set when receiving the card.
- 本人確認書類 (honnin kakunin shorui): the identity documents you must present when receiving the card.
What You Need to Do
- First work out whether what you received is the number notification, the application form, or the pickup notice.
- If it is the 交付通知書 (postcard): prepare the documents listed on the notice. In principle, you yourself must go to the designated 交付窓口 (pickup counter) to receive the card, and you should watch the 交付期限 (pickup deadline). If illness, disability, or another unavoidable reason prevents you from going in person, a proxy can usually collect the card on your behalf, but additional authorization and supporting documents are required; follow your municipal office's instructions for the details.
- When receiving the card, set your 暗証番号 (ansho bango, PIN) as guided at the counter.
- If you are not sure what you need to do, ask the My Number / resident affairs counter at your municipal office.
Where Deadlines and Amounts May Appear
- Deadline: mainly on the 交付通知書, next to the 交付期限 (pickup deadline) field.
- Amount: the first issuance of the physical card is generally free of charge; reissuance and similar cases may involve a fee, and the amount and conditions are as explained at the counter.
Which Official Body to Contact When Unsure
Contact the My Number Card / resident affairs counter at your municipal (city, ward, town, or village) office, or call the inquiry phone number printed on the notice. For nationwide information about the system, see the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications My Number pages and the マイナンバーカード総合サイト (My Number Card Official Site). Official guidance takes precedence over any third-party explanation, including this article.
Common Japanese Terms
- マイナンバー / 個人番号 (My Number / kojin bango): Individual Number (12 digits)
- 個人番号通知書 (kojin bango tsuchisho): document notifying you of your My Number
- 交付通知書 (kofu tsuchisho): notice that your card is ready for pickup (postcard)
- 交付窓口 / 交付場所 (kofu madoguchi / kofu basho): pickup counter / location
- 暗証番号 (ansho bango): PIN
- 本人確認書類 (honnin kakunin shorui): identity verification documents