Japanese Lottery | How to Buy and Claim Winnings

What is the Japanese Lottery?

History and Structure

The history of Japanese lottery dates back to the Edo period. Modern lotteries are issued based on the "Act Concerning Lottery Tickets with Prize Money" and are operated to secure financial resources for local governments.

Lottery proceeds are used for various public and welfare projects, contributing to Japanese society. Today, the National Mutual Lottery Issuing Organization and prefectures serve as issuers, while Mizuho Bank handles sales and prize distribution.

Throughout the year, various types of lotteries are sold, and for many Japanese people, buying lottery tickets represents the joy of purchasing dreams.

Characteristics of Japanese Lottery

A major feature of Japanese lottery is that winnings are tax-free, which differs from many overseas lotteries. Additionally, since Japanese lottery is operated by public institutions, it has high reliability and guaranteed prize payments.

The minimum age for purchasing lottery tickets is 20 years old, and Japan has established systems to prevent excessive gambling participation by young people. For foreign visitors, the Japanese lottery system offers high transparency and provides a safe mechanism for participation.

Can Foreigners Purchase? Legal Conditions

Foreign Tourist Eligibility

Good news! Japanese lottery tickets can be purchased by foreign tourists visiting Japan. According to the Osaka Prefecture website, "Japanese lottery tickets can be purchased by foreign visitors to Japan and foreign residents in Japan."

This means even temporary tourists can legally purchase lottery tickets. However, there is an age restriction, and you must be 20 years or older. You may be asked to present identification, so it's recommended to carry your passport.

About Online Purchases from Overseas

However, you need to be careful about online purchases from overseas. The official lottery website states: "Lottery purchases are limited to individuals residing in Japan who are 20 years or older. Even if you meet the above criteria, you cannot purchase lottery tickets online from overseas, including temporary trips abroad."

In other words, you must physically be in Japan to purchase Japanese lottery tickets. Consider it as one of the experiences you can enjoy precisely because you're traveling to Japan.

Types and Features of Japanese Lottery

Japanese lottery is broadly divided into two types: "regular lottery" and "number selection lottery." Let's examine the features of each in detail.

Regular Lottery (Jumbo Lottery, etc.)

Regular lottery tickets have pre-printed numbers. Representative types include:

Jumbo Lottery

The most popular lottery in Japan, sold several times a year during specific seasons.

• Year-End Jumbo Lottery: Sold every December, with a first prize of 700 million yen. With the adjacent prizes, it can reach up to 1 billion yen.
• Dream Jumbo Lottery: Sold around May, offering chances for high prizes.
• Summer Jumbo Lottery: Sold in summer, popular as a seasonal tradition.

Jumbo lottery tickets can be purchased for 300 yen each, available as "bara" (individual tickets) or "renban" (sets of 10 consecutive tickets).

Block Lottery

Lottery sold in specific regions (blocks), with proceeds used for regional public projects. Purchased for 200 yen each, with higher winning probability than Jumbo but slightly lower prize amounts.

Scratch Cards

Lottery tickets where results are immediately revealed. Prices vary by type, ranging from 100 yen to 1,000 yen. The fun of scratching makes them recommended for foreign tourists. Many prizes can be collected on the spot, which is convenient for travelers.

Number Selection Lottery

Number selection lottery is a type where you choose your own numbers. Types include:

Loto 7

Choose 7 numbers from 1-37. 300 yen per entry, with drawings every Friday. Maximum prize of 700 million yen, highly popular in Japan.

Loto 6

Choose 6 numbers from 1-43. 200 yen per entry, with drawings every Monday and Thursday. Maximum prize ranges from 200 million to 600 million yen.

Mini Loto

Choose 5 numbers from 1-31. 200 yen per entry, with drawings every Tuesday. Maximum prize is approximately 10 million yen.

Numbers 3 & Numbers 4

Predict 3-digit or 4-digit numbers. 200 yen per entry, with daily drawings Monday through Friday. Higher winning probability than other loto games but lower prize amounts.

Bingo 5

Choose 5 numbers from 1-35, aiming for vertical, horizontal, or diagonal bingo. 200 yen per entry, with drawings every Wednesday.

Purchase Methods and Locations

Purchasing at Lottery Retailers

There are numerous lottery retailers throughout Japan, the most common purchase method. Main purchase locations include:

Station and downtown lottery retailers: Specialized retailers exist around urban stations and downtown areas.

Chance Centers: Official lottery sales centers established in each prefecture. Tokyo's "Nishi-Ginza Chance Center" is particularly famous for its high number of large wins.

Mizuho Bank: Many Mizuho Bank branches sell lottery tickets.

Convenience Stores: Some convenience stores carry lottery tickets.

When purchasing, pay in cash. Credit cards are generally not accepted, so prepare cash in advance.

Purchase Points for Foreigners

Here are some points for foreigners when purchasing lottery:

Language Barrier Solutions: Many lottery retailers may not have English support. Saying "Lottery, please" and indicating the number needed by pointing, or using smartphone translation apps, can be helpful.

Carrying Passport: When purchasing expensive lottery tickets or winning large prizes, identification documents are required, so bring your passport.

Tourist Area Retailers: Lottery retailers around tourist areas like Tokyo's Ginza or Osaka's Dotonbori are often accustomed to serving foreign tourists.

Scratch Cards Recommended: If you're worried about the language barrier, scratch cards where results are immediately revealed are recommended. Osaka Prefecture and others promote scratch cards specifically for foreign tourists.

Winning Odds and Prize Amounts

Winning Probability by Lottery Type

The winning probability of Japanese lottery varies greatly by type. Generally, the higher the prize, the lower the winning probability.

Winning probabilities range from approximately 1 in 1,000 for Numbers 3 to 1 in 20 million for Year-End Jumbo. Number selection lotteries like Mini Loto and Numbers 3 & 4 offer better odds than Jumbo lottery or Loto 7 & 6.

Scratch cards, where results are immediately known and winning probabilities are relatively high, are especially recommended for travelers.

Collecting Prize Money

Collection Methods by Prize Amount

Prize collection methods differ based on amount:

• Up to 50,000 yen: Lottery retailers, Mizuho Bank
• 50,000-100,000 yen: Designated lottery retailers, Mizuho Bank
• Over 100,000 yen: Mizuho Bank only
• High amounts: May require passport, personal seal (hanko), and approximately one week for processing

Points Foreigners Should Note

Identity Documentation: Valid identification such as passport required.

Confirming Stay Period: For large winnings, collection may take about a week. Consider this against your departure date.

Bank Account: For large winnings, transfer to a Japanese bank account may be necessary.

Foreign Language Support: Major Mizuho Bank branches may have English-speaking staff available for large winnings.

Taxes on Lottery

Taxes in Japan

Japanese lottery winnings have a very significant advantage: they are tax-free. This is stipulated by the "Act Concerning Lottery Tickets with Prize Money," meaning no income tax or resident tax is levied.

For example, even if you win a first prize of 700 million yen, you can receive the full amount without tax deductions. This point differs significantly from many overseas lotteries.

Foreign Tourists and Tax Compliance

When foreign tourists win Japanese lottery, no tax is imposed in Japan, but taxes upon returning prize money to their home country must comply with their own country's laws. Many countries have declaration obligations for prizes won overseas, so for large winnings, it's recommended to research your home country's tax system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can foreigners purchase Japanese lottery? A: Yes, foreign tourists and residents in Japan can purchase Japanese lottery. However, you must be 20 years or older.

Q: Can I receive winnings even as a tourist on a tourist visa? A: Yes, with appropriate identification documents (such as passport), winnings can be received even on a tourist visa.

Q: What if I don't know the results before leaving Japan? A: The winning confirmation and exchange period is generally one year. You can bring it on your next visit to Japan or entrust procedures to a trusted acquaintance residing in Japan.

Recommended Lottery Experience Spots for Foreign Visitors

Popular Lottery Retailers

Nishi-Ginza Chance Center (Tokyo): Japan's most famous lottery retailer in Tokyo's Ginza. Known for many large winning records, with lines often forming before opening. A popular spot for tourists.

Osaka Station Front Building 4 Special Outlet (Osaka): The largest lottery retailer in Kansai, known as a "winning shop" with many large winnings.

Various local governments conduct lottery sales promotion events for foreign tourists, where English-speaking staff may be available, allowing lottery purchases without language concerns.

Summary

Japanese lottery is open to foreigners, including tourists visiting Japan, and you can enjoy this aspect of Japanese culture during your trip. The appeal of Japanese lottery lies in tax-free winnings and the high transparency and reliability of the system.

For travelers, scratch cards with immediate results or number selection lotteries like Numbers with drawings during your stay are recommended. You can also take lottery tickets home as Japanese souvenirs and check winning results online later.

During your stay in Japan, why not try your luck with lottery? While holding dreams of a windfall, experiencing Japan's unique lottery culture will surely enrich your travel memories.