You can use Wise for this purpose, strictly speaking it's not a bank account, but you can have a unique IBAN and transfer funds to your local account or keep it there.

As a disclosure, I work there.

Yes, we have accounts in two other countries (one Europe, one is the US) using Wise. Works well for sending, receiving or just letting the money wait in the account. The setup requires uploading a copy of the passport etc but that's similar to any other bank.

From a quick look at the Wise site, I gather your services can't be used in Japan ?

That's very interesting thank you. Is it possible to "spend" directly my funds from wise? For example by getting a debit card ?

Yes, wise does give you a debit card to spend money you deposited there.

Thank you very much!

A bit intricate, but you should be able to open a bank account in Estonia. They offer digital citizenship, so-called e-residency (https://www.e-resident.gov.ee/) and for 350€ you can open a company there. I reckon it should also be possible to open a bank account there over the internet once you got your citizenship e-card?

From a google search: „ Yes, Estonia has a system that enables you to open a bank account without residency and as an e-resident, and you can start the process online. Generally speaking, it is often possible to open an account with only your passport - depending on the country of your origin and the bank you chose.“ (Source: https://www.b2bpay.co/how-open-bank-account-estonia)

Ok, so it seems i was too optimistic: „ Upon registering a company in Estonia, you can apply for opening a bank account in Estonia, if you have partners in Estonia/employees living in Estonia/carry out activities in Estonia. If the intended activity of the company is not related to Estonia, you will not be able to open a bank account in Estonia. If you want to open an account with an Estonian bank, the company has to start its activities, in full or in part, on the territory of Estonia“ (source: https://www.estonia-company.ee/management-of-bank-accounts-v...)

You mean Estonia ? I had heard of that but never completed the process; I'll definitely give it a look. Thank you

The traditional method is to pay your lawyer and accountant to set up what you need.

You could have a look at Revolut.

Thank you for the suggestion!