As of February 2026, 1 Malaysian ringgit (RM) = approximately 35 yen. Compared to RM1=26 yen in 2020, the yen has depreciated by 35%**.

In this article, we will compare how the weak yen is affecting the lives of Japanese people living in Malaysia and smart ways to send money.

Exchange rate trends

YearRM/JPYVolatility
2019Approx. 26 yen—
2020Approx. 25 yen-4%
2021Approx. 27 yen+8%
2022Approx. 31 yen+15%
2023Approx. 32 yen+3%
2024Approx. 33 yen+3%
2025Approx. 34 yen+3%
2026Approx. 35 yen+3%
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+35% compared to 2019. Living expenses of RM15,000 per month will be 390,000 yen in 2019 → 525,000 yen in 2026.

Concrete impact on life

1. Increase in actual rent burden

Rent (RM)2019 Yen conversion2026 Yen conversionDifference
3,00078,000 yen105,000 yen+27,000 yen
6,000156,000 yen210,000 yen+54,000 yen
10,000260,000 yen350,000 yen+90,000 yen

2. Increased actual burden of tuition fees

  • ●Inter school RM50,000/year → 2019: 1.3 million yen → 2026: 1.75 million yen
  • ●Additional burden of approximately 2.7 million yen over 6 years

3. “Reverse culture shock” when returning to Japan temporarily

  • ●If your Malaysian salary is denominated in RM, your purchasing power in Japan will be drastically reduced.
  • ●Phenomenon where prices in Japan “feel high”

Remittance method comparison

Japan → Malaysia remittance

ServiceRemittance feeExchange ratePayment speedTotal cost example (1 million yen remittance)
WiseApprox. 4,000-6,000 yenClose to medium-term rate1-2 business daysApprox. 5,000 yen
RevolutFree depending on planMedium-term rateImmediate to 1 dayApproximately 2,000 to 5,000 yen
Rakuten Bank750 yenSlightly disadvantageous2 to 3 business daysApproximately 8,000 to 12,000 yen
Mitsubishi UFJ3,000 to 7,500 yenBank rate (unfavorable)2 to 5 business daysApproximately 15,000 to 20,000 yen
Japan Post Bank2,000 yenBank rate3-7 business daysApproximately 12,000-18,000 yen

Recommended: Wise (formerly TransferWise)

  • ●✅ Exchange rate is closest to the prevailing rate
  • ●✅ Overwhelmingly low fees
  • ●✅ Complete with app. Transfer completed in 5 minutes after initial setup
  • ●✅ Can be used when registering my number in Japan
  • ●⚠️ Maximum remittance per time is 1 million yen (annual limit)

Revolut is also a strong option

  • ●✅ No fees up to RM2,500 worth per month (Plus Plan)
  • ●✅ You can withdraw RM from ATMs in Malaysia.
  • ●✅ Yen/RM dual account
  • ●⚠️ Not suitable for large remittances

Currency countermeasure techniques

1. Dollar cost averaging method

  • ●Send a fixed amount every month to smooth out exchange risk
  • ●Don't wait for the yen to appreciate next month...

2. Bulk remittance when the yen is strong

  • ●"Bonus remittance" when RM1=33 yen or less
  • ●Leverage Wise's rate alert feature

3. Hold Japanese assets in yen

  • ●Only the expenditure in Malaysia will be denominated in RM
  • ●Surplus funds will be invested in Japanese NISA etc.

4. Increase your RM income

  • ●Switch to local hiring
  • ●Side job in Malaysia (be careful of EP/MM2H restrictions)

Exchange rate outlook for 2026

Factors behind the continued depreciation of the yen

  • ●Japan's zero interest rate policy (interest rate difference with the US)
  • ●Malaysian economic growth rate (GDP 4-5%)
  • ●Crude oil and palm oil prices support ringgit appreciation

Possibility of yen appreciation

  • ●Bank of Japan interest rate hike (possibility of 0.5% → 1.0%)
  • ●US recession risk
  • ●Global risk-off phase
📊

Forecast range for 2026: RM1 = 32~38 yen. There are many predictions that the yen will weaken slightly into the second half of the year.

Summary

  • ●⚠️ It is highly likely that the weak yen will not be resolved any time soon.
  • ●✅ Wise or Revolut is overwhelmingly advantageous for remittances
  • ●✅ Exchange countermeasures are based on "distributed remittance" and "utilization of alerts"
  • ●✅ In the long run, having an RM-based income source is the best solution
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The premise is that you cannot read exchange rates. That's why steadily decentralized remittance is the best strategy.