Event Recap: 'Both Sides of the Tax Equation', Our BCCJ Seminar on UK and Japanese Tax

For a British person living in Japan, tax is genuinely a two-sided equation. You may have obligations in Japan on your income, gains and even your worldwide estate, and, at the same time, continuing obligations to HMRC in the UK. Getting one side right is not much use if the other side is missed.

That was the idea behind Both Sides of the Tax Equation, a seminar we were delighted to present on 21 May 2026 in partnership with the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) and HLS Global.

What the session covered

The evening brought together the UK and Japanese perspectives in one room, so that attendees could see how the two systems interact rather than hearing each in isolation:

• The UK side, presented by our Tax Director, Stephanie Chan (CTA, ATT, STEP Affiliate), covering the UK tax obligations that follow British nationals and UK-connected individuals living in Japan, including residence, UK income and property, pensions and the UK's residence-based approach to inheritance tax.
• Japanese personal tax, covering Japan's income and inheritance tax framework, the residency rules that determine what is taxable, and the inheritance and gift tax exposure that can reach the worldwide assets of longer-term residents.
• Japanese corporate tax, delivered by HLS Global, for those running or working through companies in Japan.

Why it matters for British expats in Japan

The recurring theme was that the two systems do not switch each other off. A British resident of Japan can face UK tax on UK income and property, and Japanese tax on income, gains and, importantly, on assets passing on death, with the interaction, and any relief from double taxation, depending on careful, early planning. The point most attendees took away was the value of coordinating both sides of the equation from the outset, rather than treating them as separate problems.

Read more

The BCCJ has published its own recap of the evening, which you can read here: Event Recap: Both Sides of the Tax Equation.

For a fuller written treatment of the themes we covered, see our guide, Japan vs UK Tax for British Expats: Income, Capital Gains and Inheritance Compared.

How we can help

We advise British expatriates in Japan on the UK side of their affairs and coordinate with local Japanese advisers on the rest, so that both sides of the equation are handled together. If you live in Japan with continuing UK interests, or are planning a move in either direction, we would be glad to help you map your position.

This article is general information about an event we presented, not personal tax advice. Please seek advice tailored to your circumstances, including local Japanese tax advice where relevant.