Recently, I've been researching various savings plans, and I realized how important bank selection really is. Finding a product with high interest rates and simple procedures is quite challenging.

From what I've found, Sony Bank's recurring deposit is quite recommended. The 1-year term offers 1.000%, and the 3-year term offers 0.750%. If you save 10,000 yen every month for three years, you’ll earn about 4,000 yen in interest. They have an automatic deposit service, making it easy to switch from other banks, and you can cancel online, so you're covered if you suddenly need funds. I think it's a strong candidate if you're starting a savings plan.

I also looked into AEON Bank. They offer a flat interest rate of 0.500% for the entire period, and you can set amounts starting from 500 yen in 1-yen increments, making it suitable for small savings. If you regularly shop at AEON Group stores, you can also benefit from increased WAON point rewards and discount offers, making it more advantageous when combined with a savings plan.

Rakuten Bank's fixed deposit offers a relatively high 0.700% interest rate for a 5-year term. However, they don’t have an automatic deposit service, so monthly procedures can be a bit of a hassle. If you frequently use Rakuten Group services, it might be worth considering for the integration with Rakuten points.

Honestly, when choosing a savings plan, it’s not just about the interest rate. Convenience factors like automatic deposits, online cancellation, and overall ease of use are equally important. While city banks like Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation and MUFG Bank are options, online banks tend to have more favorable interest rates. The most important thing is to choose a bank that fits your lifestyle.