If you’re one of the 20,000+ Bangladeshi residents in Japan, you already know the drill: every yen counts when you’re converting JPY to BDT for family back home. Between tuition fees in Dhaka, medical bills in Chittagong, or simply topping up your parents’ mobile wallets, you need a remittance channel that is cheap, fast, and transparent—without hidden deductions on the receiving side.
This guide walks you through every practical step of sending money from Japan to Bangladesh, compares the seven Japan-licensed remit apps you can legally use today, and shows you how to lock-in the real mid-market rate (or as close as possible) so more taka ends up in your recipient’s hands.
Why the JPY→BDT Corridor Is Different
- Bangladesh Bank cap: Under the Wage Earners’ Scheme, personal remittances above USD 1,500 per transaction need extra paperwork.
- Yen volatility: JPY has weakened ~12 % against USD since 2022, so even small FX mark-ups hurt.
- Limited cash-pickup: Only a handful of Japanese apps partner with Bangladeshi banks/MFS (bKash, Rocket, Nagad) for instant credit.
In short, provider choice matters more than in USD-based corridors.
Step-by-Step: How to Send JPY to BDT From Japan
1. Check Your Residence Status
You must hold a Zairyū Card with valid working or permanent-resident status. Tourist visas are rejected by every licensed operator.
2. Compare the 7 Legal Remit Apps
Below is a snapshot of total cost (transfer fee + FX margin) for sending ¥50,000 to bKash on the same day. Rates refresh every minute on RatesRemit's Comparison Tool.
| Provider | Fee (¥) | FX Margin | Recipient Gets (BDT) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | 426 | 0.35 % | 45,830 | 20 min |
| SmileRemit | 0 | 1.2 % | 45,410 | 2 h |
| JpRemit | 390 | 0.9 % | 45,550 | 1 h |
| BrastelRemit | 500 | 1.0 % | 45,320 | 3 h |
| CityRemit | 0 | 1.45 % | 45,150 | same day |
| JapanRemit | 450 | 0.8 % | 45,600 | 30 min |
| KyodaiRemit | 0 | 1.6 % | 44,980 | 4 h |
Figures sampled 09 Oct 2025 11:00 JST; mid-market rate 1 JPY = 0.924 BDT.
Key takeaway: A “zero-fee” advert can still cost your family ₹850 less once the FX margin is added. Always compare total received amount, not just the fee.
3. Register & Verify (One-Time)
- Download the app from Google Play / App Store.
- Upload: front & back of Zairyū Card + My-Number card (or jūminhyō if you don’t have one).
- Selfie liveness check (30 s video).
Approval is usually under 15 minutes during Japanese business hours.
4. Enter Transfer Details
- Amount: type either “¥50,000” or “Recipient gets 45,000 BDT”—good apps auto-calculate the other side.
- Delivery: pick bKash, Rocket, Nagad, or direct bank (Sonali, Islami, Dutch-Bangla).
- Purpose: select “Family Maintenance”—keeps you inside the Wage Earners’ quota.
5. Fund the Transfer
- Wise: domestic net-banking to their Japan Post or Rakuten pool account—no ATM visit.
- SmileRemit / CityRemit / KyodaiRemit: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart multi-copy machine; scan the barcode, insert cash, keep the receipt.
- JpRemit / BrastelRemit / JapanRemit: bank transfer or Pay-easy from any ATM.
6. Track & Notify
You’ll get an IMEI-style tracking number. Share it via WhatsApp so your recipient can show it at the agent if needed. Most bKash credits arrive with an SMS in 3-20 minutes.
Hidden Charges to Watch For
- Receiving fee: bKash 1.5 % cash-out at agent, 0 % if transferred to a bank-linked debit card.
- Intermediary banks: rare now, but Sonali Bank sometimes dips ₹200-300 for wire transfers above ₹200,000.
- Refunded transfers: if the recipient name on bKash doesn’t match exactly (including spelling of middle name), money bounces back minus ¥1,500 handling fee at most apps.
Same-Day vs Economy: When to Choose What
- Emergency (medical, exam fee): Wise or JapanRemit—20-30 min to bKash.
- Monthly grocery support: SmileRemit or CityRemit—zero upfront fee, acceptable margin if you send >¥100,000.
- Large amount (home construction): JpRemit flat fee stays ¥390 even at ¥1 million, and their margin narrows to 0.6 % on the wholesale slab.
Pro Tips to Maximise Your BDT
- Send Tuesday-Thursday 09:00-15:00 JST: FX desks in Dhaka are active; spreads tighten.
- Enable rate alerts: Wise & SmileRemit let you auto-lock when JPY→BDT hits your desired level.
- Use bKash “Add Money by Remittance”: the 1.85 % cash-out fee is waived for 24 h, saving another ₹400 on ¥50k.
- Bundle family transfers: one ¥200k transfer costs ~35 % less in fees than four ¥50k transfers.
Troubleshooting: Common Rejection Reasons
| Error Code | Meaning | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| E-2201 | Zairyū Card expiry < 3 months | Renew at immigration first |
| E-155 | Name mismatch with bKash | Ask recipient to update National ID in bKash app |
| E-99 | Daily Bangladesh Bank quota filled | Retry after 00:00 Dhaka time |
FAQ: JPY to BDT Transfers
Q1. Can I send cash from a Japanese convenience store directly to a Bangladeshi bank?
Yes—SmileRemit, CityRemit, and KyodaiRemit all print a barcode you can pay in 7-Eleven / Lawson / FamilyMart. The money still lands in Sonali, Islami, or DBBL the same day.
Q2. Is Wise really the cheapest every time?
For amounts under ¥150,000, Wise’s mid-market rate + transparent fee usually beats the “zero-fee but high-margin” model. Above that, JpRemit’s wholesale FX slab can be cheaper—always cross-check on RatesRemit's Comparison Tool.
Q3. Do I need to file any paperwork with Bangladesh Bank?
No—the remit app does it automatically. Only commercial remittances (business payments) need Form C.
Q4. Can my tourist friend send money using my account?
No. Account holder name must match the funding bank account in Japan. Violation freezes the transfer and reports you to authorities.
Bottom Line
Sending JPY to BDT from Japan is safe, legal, and instant—but fee structures are deliberately confusing. A quick 30-second comparison can save ₹1,000-2,000 on a single transfer, which adds up to ₹24,000 a year if you send monthly.
Ready to see live rates for your exact amount?
Compare the 7 providers now ➜ RatesRemit's Comparison Tool
Disclaimer: Rates and fees quoted are indicative samples taken 09 Oct 2025. Always confirm live numbers before you confirm any transfer.