Useful Information for Everyday Living in Minato City

Home , Daimon Station (Tokyo), Mita Station, Odaiba, Roppongi, Roppongi Station, Shibaura

We have gathered together useful information to ensure that foreign residents are able to live, work, and study safely and with peace of mind. We would like you to enjoy living in Minato City, so please do not hesitate to contact the numbers and the locations provided in case you run into any problems.

Contents

1 Living in Japan 1-1

2 Procedures and Services at City Hall 2-1

3 Daily Life 3-1

4 Preparing for Disasters and What to Do During Disasters 4-1

5 Sickness and its Prevention 5-1

6 Raising Children 6-1

7 Education for Children 7-1

8 Working 8-1

９ Consultations 9-1

For Inquiries on “Useful Information for Everyday Living in Minato City”

Global Community Planning Subsection, Community Promotion Section 03-3578-2046,2524 (Counter 304, 3/F Minato City Hall)

Information on Minato City

Please also read No.2 [Procedures and Services at City Hall].

Website

http://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean)

Contents-1 Minato Call (City Information Service)

Information on Minato City’s administrative services, facilities, 03-5472-3710 events, and other details Operating Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day, year round (Japanese, English)

*Inquiries may also be made on the Minato City Website

Minato City Hall (Main Oﬃce)

1-5-25 Shibakoen 03-3578-2111 A 10-minute walk from the north exit ofJRHamamatsucho Station. A ﬁve-minute walk from exit A2 of Onarimon Station on the Mita subway line. A ﬁve-minute walk from exit A6 of Daimon Station on the Asakusa and Oedo subway lines.

Shiba Regional City Oﬃce

Minato City Hall Main Oﬃce 1F/2F, 1-5-25 Shibakoen 03-3578-3111

Azabu Regional City Oﬃce

5-16-45 Roppongi 03-3583-4151 A seven-minute walk from exit 3 of Roppongi Station on the Hibiya and Oedo subway lines. A 10-minute walk fromexit 7 of Azabujuban Station on the Oedo and Namboku subway lines.

Akasaka Regional City Oﬃce

4-18-13 Akasaka 03-5413-7011 An eight-minute walk from exit A of Akasaka-mitsuke Station on the Ginza and Marunouchi subway lines. A 10-minute walk from exit 4 of Aoyama-itchome Station on the Ginza, Hanzomon, and Oedo subway lines.

Takanawa Regional City Oﬃce

1-16-25 Takanawa 03-5421-7611 A one-minute walk from exit 1 of Shirokane-Takanawa Station on the Namboku and Mita subway lines.

Shibaura-konan Regional City Oﬃce

1-16-1 Shibaura 03-3456-4151 A ﬁve-minute walk from Shibaura Exit of JR Tamachi Station. A six-minute walk from exit A6 of Mita Station on the mita and asakusa subway lines.

Shibaura-konan Regional City Oﬃce Daiba Annex

1-5-1 Daiba 03-5500-2351 (Counter Services Subsection, Residents Support Section) A one-minute walk from Odaiba Kaihin Park Station on the Tokyo Waterfront New transit Yurikamome.

Contents-2 Counter Operating Hours

Monday to Friday (except national holidays and between December 29 and January 3) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Certain counters are open until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Please contact the Regional City Oﬃce respectively for the details available after 5:00 p.m..)

Services of Global Community Planning Subsection

The Global Community Planning Subsection is involved in a wide range of matters pertaining to Minato City’ s internationalization and multicultural coexistence. The activities include the following. We hope you will make full use of the services. We also welcome inquiries related to other services and any questions you may have at all times.

Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

Consultations and information on administrative services are available in the City Hall and by telephone. (Japanese and English) Counter operating hours is the same as others excluding noon to 1:00 p.m. 03-3578-2046,2524

Minato Information Board

The Global Community Planning Subsection’ s Facebook page. The page provides details on events and other useful information on Minato City. Information will also be provided during disasters. (English and Easy Japanese) https://m.facebook.com/city.minato.mib/

MIM

Minato Information Mail (MIM) is distributed twice monthly by e-mail, and contains details on events and other information on Minato City. To join the mailing list, sign up on the Global Community Planning page on the Minato City website. (English, Korean, Chinese and Easy Japanese)

Points to take note of with regard to the content in Useful Information for Everyday Living in Minato City

*The aforementioned facilities and inquiry counter are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays unless otherwise stated. *All inquiries are only accepted in Japanese unless otherwise stated. *All information provided is subject to modiﬁcation.

Contents-3 1 Living in Japan

Provides information on the items to note when moving, as well as details on concluding contracts essential for daily life, such as electricity, gas, and water. Also contains the necessary procedures for bank accounts and cellphones.

Obtaining a Residence Card

If you are intending to reside in Japan for three or more months, you will be issued a Residence Card by the Immigration Bureau when you enter Japan from overseas. Please keep this card on your person at all times.

Searching for a Place to Live

Visit real estate companies in the area where you wish to live to discuss property types, rents, and other conditions, and then rent a property. Renting a property may involve complex procedures, so it is recommended that somebody who speaks and understands Japanese accompany you.

Moving Home

When moving out of the home where you reside, discuss terminating your housing contract with the real estate company concerned one month prior to the move. If you have large items to move, please look for a moving company who will transport these items.

Concluding Contracts for Electricity, Gas, and Water Utilities

When moving out of your home, discontinue the electricity, gas, and water supply, and then conclude new utility contracts for your new address. Please contact the electricity, gas, and water companies by telephone or other means ahead of time.

1-1 Search for details on the Internet or ask your friends. In addition to electricity, gas, and water, it is also necessary to change the address on all your other contracts (credit cards, bank accounts, etc.).

Opening a Bank Account

When opening a bank account for the ﬁrst time, consult with a bank near your home, your workplace or the school you attend. You can also go to a post oﬃce to open a Japan Post bank account. The Shinsei Bank and the Seven Bank provide consultations in English, however, other banks may not be able to do the same, so it is recommended that somebody who speaks and understands Japanese accompany you after you have found out the requirements for opening a bank account. ATMs operated by banks are available in convenience stores, large commercial buildings, and similar facilities. Some overseas credit cards may not be accepted. You cannot withdraw cash in Japanese yen using credit cards or other bank cards issued overseas.

Obtaining a Cellphone

Please check the necessary procedures for obtaining a cellphone from your desired cellphone provider’ s website. Cellphones may also be obtained at large electrical appliance stores and cellphone outlets.

Residence Registration

Please register your residence at the Ward Oﬃce or City Hall for the area where you live within 14 days of moving into that address. This procedure is called residence registration. Please read No. 2 [Procedures and Services at City Hall] for more details.

Points to Note When Living in an Apartment

Residents of apartments in Japan are required to observe certain manners, such as keeping the place clean and refraining from making loud noises, and rules for disposing of trash. Discuss this with the real estate company or with your Japanese friends.

1-2 Procedures and 2 Services at City Hall

Provides information on the procedures that can be carried out at the City Hall. Certain procedures must be carried out when changing your address, when getting married, and when giving birth.

City Hall and Regional City Oﬃces

In addition to the City Hall, Minato City operates five Regional City Offices (Shiba, Azabu, Akasaka, Takanawa, and Shibaura-konan) and the Daiba Annex. You can go to the Regional Office or Annex near your home for various procedures and services. The addresses and telephone numbers of the Regional City Offices can be found on the page containing the table of contents.

Residence Registration

People who stay in Japan for three or more months and live in Minato City have to register their residence at a Regional City Oﬃce or the Annex. Unless they are registered as residents, they cannot receive the various services or certiﬁcates the city provides.

When Visiting the Minato City Hall What to Bring (Regional City Oﬃce)

Residence Cards, My Number Cards or My When moving from other locations Number Notiﬁcation Cards of all members of the within Japan (procedures must be family; and Certiﬁcate of Change of Address completed within 14 days) issued by the previous ward or city of residence

When moving from overseas Passport and Residence Card of all members of the (within 14 days) family; marriage certiﬁcate; and birth certiﬁcate

When moving from other locations Residence Card and Health Insurance Card of all in Minato City (within 14 days) members of the family (if you have NHI)

2-1 Passport; Residence Card; and Certiﬁcate of Upon marriage Eligibility for Marriage

Upon pregnancy Passport and Residence Card

Birth Certiﬁcate from the hospital where the childbirth Upon childbirth (within 14 days) took place; Maternal and Child Health Handbook, Health Insurance Card; and Residence Card

Death Certiﬁcate signed by a doctor; Residence Upon a family member’ s death Card, pension book, and National Health (within 7 days) Insurance card (if s/he had NHI) of the deceased

When moving from Minato City to Residence Card, National Health Insurance card (if another location (from two you have NHI) weeks prior to the move)

Resident Tax

People registered as residents of Minato City on January 1 will receive a payment slip in June of that year as a demand for payment of annual Resident Tax to the city. The calculation of Resident Tax is based on one’ s income in the previous year (a larger sum for those with a larger income, and a smaller sum for those with a smaller income). Residents who do not work for any company must go to the City Hall between February and March every year to personally report their income for the previous year. Failure to report may result in higher taxes and National Health Insurance (NHI) premiums, so please be sure to report accordingly.

Inquiries Taxation Section 03-3578-2111

2-2 National Health Insurance (NHI)

To those who are not subscribed to their company’ s health insurance, please subscribe to the National Health Insurance (NHI) system at a Regional City Oﬃce or the Annex at the time of residence registration. The insurance premium to be paid every month is based on the income of the registered resident in the previous year. Payment slips are sent out by Minato City.

Inquiries Eligibility Subsection, National Health Insurance and Pension Section 03-3578-2111

National Pension (See No. 3 [Daily Life])

Those 20 or older who are not enrolled in their company’ s employee pension plan are required to subscribe to the National Pension Plan and pay premiums until the age of 59. Those who have spouses enrolled in an employee pension plan and whose income is less than a determined amount are required to enroll in the National Pension system, but are not required to pay premiums. The National Pension premium diﬀers every year. If you leave Japan without receiving any kind of pension, there is a system in place for receiving a partial refund of your premiums. For students and those with very low income, there is a payment exemption system. Please consult with the Minato City Hall, Regional City Oﬃces, or Daiba Annex.

Inquiries National Pension Subsection, National Health Insurance and Pension Section 03-3578-2111

Other Services Provided by the City Hall

[Procedures] Registration of pets; transfer of ownership and tax payment for motorcycles, etc.

[Applications] Entry or enrollment in a municipal kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, or nursery school; obtaining an Individual Number Card, etc.

[Services] Medical certiﬁcates for infants and children; Child Allowance; certiﬁcates; various types of consultation, etc.

The City Hall provides a wide range of services. Please visit the oﬃcial website for further details. “Minato Call (City Information Service)” (03-5472-3710) also provides information on the services available.

2-3 3 Daily Life

Provides information and details on the rules that are useful for everyday life.

Disposal of Household Waste

Household waste is to be sorted into “combustible” , “recyclable” , and other wastes, and then placed at the designated location on the designated days and time. Please check the types of waste in Minato City waste sorting and the schedule of garbage collection on the Minato City Website and in the booklet produced by Minato City. Details on the disposal of indisposable and large-sized waste are also provided. Please be sure to observe the rules.

Taxes

Foreign residents are also required to pay Income Tax, Consumption Tax, and Resident Tax. Please read No. 2 [Procedures and Services at City Hall] for further details on Resident Tax.

Health Insurance

All registered residents must subscribe to either the ward or city’ s National Health Insurance (NHI) or the health insurance provided by the company they work for. Those subscribed to travel insurance or private insurance are still required to enter one of the said insurance systems. Company health insurance covers family members without extra premiums if family members’ income is lower than a certain level. Under both National Health Insurance and company health insurance, the treatment expenses that must be paid become equivalent to 30% of the actual amount. Please read No. 2 [Procedures and Services at City Hall] for further details on the National Health Insurance (NHI).

3-1 Pension

In the event of disability or death, the pension system can provide beneﬁts several times a year or a lump sum payment to the injured or the next of kin. All registered residents from age 20 to 59 are required to subscribe to either their company’ s employee pension plan or the National Pension system. Please inquire with your company for details on their employee pension system. Please read No. 2 [Procedures and Services at City Hall] for further details on the National Pension system.

Driver's License

If you have an international driver’ s license, you are allowed to drive in Japan for a period of one year. (There are certain exceptions.) An overseas driver’ s license can also be updated to a Japanese driver’ s license. Please visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department website for further details.

Transportation System and Rules

The suburbs of Tokyo have a wide range of transportation facilities, including JR and private railway companies, Toei (Tokyo Metropolitan Government)-operated trains, buses, and subways, as well as community buses and other modes of transportation operated by wards and cities. If you have any questions as purchasing tickets for a certain transportation facility, please inquire with their staﬀ. Timetables and areas of operation can be looked up on the website of each company. Please observe all relevant social manners and transportation regulations when using the facilities.

Bicycles

If you purchase or are given a bicycle, please register it at your local police station or police box for crime prevention purposes. Failure to register a bicycle may result in warnings issued by the police. In addition, bicycles must be left at bicycle parking lots. If not parked in a designated area, the bicycle may be conﬁscated by the ward or city as an abandoned bicycle. Traﬃc rules must be observed when riding a bicycle.

3-2 Motorcycles with up to 125cc engines

If you purchase or are given a motorcycle, it must be registered at the City Hall to receive a number plate. There are also certain procedures that must be carried out when disposing of motorcycles. Please inquire with the City Hall for further details. Traﬃc rules must be observed when riding a motorcycle.

Learning Japanese

The Minato International Association (MIA) and various volunteer groups conduct Japanese language classes. Information on the Japanese language classes provided by MIA and a list of Japanese language classes provided by volunteer groups can be found on the MIA website (http://www.minato-intl-assn.gr.jp). The schedule, location, and fee for each class vary, so please contact each volunteer group for details. Understanding even a little Japanese is very useful when you get sick, have an accident, get struck in a disaster, or other problematic situations. You can make many friends through learning Japanese.

Police and Fire Department

● Crimes and Accidents: 110 (24-hour interpretation available in multiple languages) ● Fire: 119 (24-hour interpretation available in multiple languages; please say “There’ s a ﬁre” and then provide the place and address, as well as your name and telephone number.) ● Ambulance: 119 (24-hour interpretation available in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages). Please say “I’ m injured” or “I’ m sick.” (Please read No. 5 [Sickness and its prevention] if you are sick.) ● Metropolitan Police Department Safety Consultation Center (for foreigners): 03-3503-8484 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:15 pm)

3-3 Preparing for Disasters 4 and What to Do During Disasters

Japan is said to be a country prone to many natural disasters. Although Tokyo suﬀers little damage from heavy snow and cold weather, damage caused by heavy rains and typhoons, such as ﬂooding, inundation and landslides, as well as damage from earthquakes and tsunamis, are conceivable. It will be helpful for you to learn Japanese words related to disasters.

Preparations You Can Do Now

❶ Prepare enough food and water to last for around one week, as well as flashlights and portable toilets, etc. so that you can continue living in your minimally damaged home even though the electricity, gas, and water supply have been cut off. ❷ Prepare all valuables, such as cash, credit cards, passports, IDs, cellphones, etc. and items essential for daily life as required medication, change of clothes, etc. in the event that evacuation becomes necessary. ❸ Secure all furniture and items inside and outside the home to prevent them from toppling over during an earthquake. ❹ Discuss communication methods and a place to meet up during emergencies with all family members. ❺ The location for evacuation will differ depending on the type of disaster such as earthquakes and floods, so check information on the evacuation areas or try to actually walk going there. ❻ Familiarize yourself with the rivers, cliffs, and other areas that may be hazardous during a disaster. ❼ Search for reliable sources of information during a disaster. Make use of websites and applications from which information from Minato City, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), National Government, your embassy, the Japan Meteorological Agency, and other offices, can be swiftly obtained. ❽ Acquaint yourself with your neighbors and other people living in your neighborhood. If you always greet them and make their acquaintance, you will be able to help each other out in times of emergency.

4-1 When there is a Danger of Flooding, Inundation, Landslides, or a Tsunami Occurring

❶ Check the television or Internet for relevant information, such as the amount of rainfall and the route and strength of the typhoon. ❷ Avoid leaving the house if there is a chance of a disaster occurring. Avoid going to dangerous areas (near rivers, cliﬀs, etc.). Move all items outside that may be blown away by the wind into the house. ❸ Prepare to evacuate before advisories, warnings, and other information and directions are posted on the Minato City website or broadcast throughout the city. In the event that an evacuation order is issued by the city, bring only the basic necessities and take refuge in the evacuation area. However, if leaving your home is dangerous due to ﬂooding or other reasons, just move to a high location in your home.

During an Earthquake

❶ The first thing to do is to protect yourself (especially the head). To prevent injury from falling objects, get under a table or any other available object where you can take cover. ❷ Do not panic and rush outside if you are indoors. Move away from fire if it is being used. Put out the fire after the shaking has stopped. ❸ Do not panic, and act calmly. ❹ If you are at a place other than your home, follow the instructions of the person in charge; if there is no person in charge, follow the lead of the people around you.

When Your Home Becomes Inhabitable and When There is No Food Supply Available

You can temporarily stay at a city-designated evacuation shelter. However, the evacuation shelters will likely be crowded with people, so if your home is habitable, please stay there instead. People living in their own homes can also get food, water, and other necessities from the evacuation shelters.

4-2 Useful Information During a Disaster

● Minato City: The city’ s disaster information e-mail service, Twitter and Facebook accounts, and the Minato City disaster prevention app are available. Please access them from the Minato City Website. http://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/

Useful Information♪

● Japan Meteorological Agency: Weather reports, weather-related warnings and advisories, and information on earthquakes, tsunamis, etc. http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/index.html

● Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Prevention Information: Registration for Twitter alerts, safety information searches, information on utilities, a disaster message board provided by various telephone companies, etc. http://www.bousai.metro.tokyo.jp/index.html

● Tokyo Fire Department http://www.tfd.metro.tokyo.jp/

4-3 Sickness and 5 its Prevention

Use this for reference purposes when searching for hospitals if you feel unwell or become sick. Provides information on prevention of illness.

Finding a Medical Institution

General practitioner (home doctor) systems are not common in Japan. Determine ﬁrst the clinical department specializing in your/his/her condition, and then go to a medical institution. In general, medical institutions are divided into large-scale hospitals and small-scale clinics with a few departments. Visit a clinic ﬁrst, and then transfer to a hospital should you need specialized tests or treatment. If you go to a hospital right away, you may be charged a consultation fee of some thousand yen or be refused consultation.

Consultation Hours

Generally, clinics are open in the morning and afternoon on weekdays, and only in the morning on Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and national holidays.

Appointments

Many clinics do not require an appointment, although you may have to wait for a long time. Dental checkups normally require an appointment.

Things to Bring

Prepare your Health Insurance Card, Medical Care Certiﬁcate for Infants and Children (in junior high school or younger), and cash. The amount you will have to pay is 30% of the normal consultation fee. Most clinics do not accept credit cards.

5-1 Medical Institutions With Foreign Language-Speaking Staﬀ

The following centers can refer you to medical institutions with foreign language-speaking staﬀ. You may also ask any questions you have about the health care system. Please read No.9 [Consultations] for further details.

Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center, Foreign Language Assistance 03-5285-8181(English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish) Daily 9:00 a.m. ‒ 8:00 p.m.

Consultation Procedure

1. Submit your health insurance card at the reception. Write down your personal information, symptoms, medical history, allergies, and other details on the medical questionnaire. 2. Wait in the waiting room, and then enter the consultation room once your name is called. 3. Wait in the waiting room once again after the consultation has ended, and then pay the consultation fee once your name is called. Your health insurance card will be returned, and you will receive a hospital registration card (shinsatsu ken). Submit the hospital registration card at the reception on your subsequent visits. You will also be handed a prescription if the doctor has prescribed medication.

Buying Medicine

Submit the prescription to a pharmacy (chozai-yakkyoku) near the medical institution and purchase the speciﬁed medication. Prescriptions remain valid for a few days from the day of issuance. Health insurance can usually be used to pay for medication fees, and present your health insurance card at the pharmacy. The pharmacist explains the dosage and other details regarding the medication. You may also buy medicine for headaches, colds, and digestion at pharmacies without a prescription.

5-2 Medicine Record (Okusuri techo)

This is a notebook that contains a record of all of the medication you have been prescribed by medical institutions. You can receive this from a pharmacy if you do not have one. Pharmacy staﬀ will attach a sticker with the name of the medicine purchased to the notebook. You are advised to take this notebook with you whenever you visit a pharmacy.

Calling an Ambulance

Call 119. Calls are free of charge, and multilingual interpreters are available 24 hours a day. The use of ambulances is free of charge, but they can only be used for serious illnesses or injuries, and other emergencies. If you are unsure whether to call an ambulance or not, call #7119 or 03-3212-2323 (Emergency Consultation Center) for advice.

Pediatric Emergency Medical Care on Weeknights

Minato Children’ s Emergency Medical Center (1/F Aiiku Hospital, 1-16-10 Shibaura, Minato -ku; 03-6453-7302) provides medical examinations every Monday to Friday (except on national holidays) from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (patients accepted until 9:30 p.m.).

Health Checkups

People working for companies undergo an employee health checkup. All other residents subscribed to the National Health Insurance (NHI) system receive information on health checkups provided by the city. Services are provided at the speciﬁed medical institutions. Visit the Minato City Website or contact the City Hall for further information.

Cancer Screening and Dental Checkups

The available services diﬀer in accordance with age. Information will be sent to those eligible for a particular service. Services are provided at the speciﬁed medical institutions. Visit the Minato City Website or contact City Hall for further information.

5-3 6 Raising Children

Make the necessary preparations for childbirth. Make use of services available to parents.

Conﬁrming Pregnancy

Pregnancy test kits can be purchased at pharmacies.

Deciding the Place of Childbirth

Some clinics provide only prenatal checkups, and do not offer childbirth services. Also, some hospitals easily get fully booked with childbirth reservations, so it is advised that you find a hospital or clinic as early as possible. Please make arrangements ahead of time especially if you wish to have an English-speaking or female doctor. Private rooms and large, shared rooms are available. Consult with the hospital staff if you have special food requirements during your stay.

Obtaining Maternal and Child Health Handbook (Boshi techo)

Maternal and Child Health Handbook is a notebook that records all details on the health of both mother and child until the child enters elementary school. As soon as your pregnancy has been conﬁrmed, submit a declaration of pregnancy to your Regional City Oﬃce to obtain the notebook. Together with the notebook, you will also receive 14 checkup vouchers, two vouchers for ultrasound examination, and information on the pre- and post-natal services. Always bring your Maternal and Child Health Handbook when getting health checkups or vaccinations.

6-1 Prenatal checkups

You will normally receive checkups once every four weeks up until the 23rd week, once every two weeks up until the 36th week, and once a week after that. Using the checkup vouchers might not cover the entire cost. You may be required to make a partial payment, and please inquire with the hospital or clinic about the fees prior to checkup if necessary.

Childbirth Expenses

Public health insurance does not cover natural childbirth. As childbirth expenses differ greatly between medical institutions, it is advised that you inquire with the hospital or clinic when making a childbirth reservation. Residents subscribed to the National Health Insurance (NHI) or to their company’ s employee health insurance will receive a lump-sum childbirth allowance of JPY 420,000 from the insurance pool. Most medical institutions will only charge the difference between the total cost of childbirth and the allowance of JPY 420,000. Minato City also provides a childbirth subsidy in addition to the lump-sum childbirth allowance. (A subsidy limit is in effect.)

If You Have Problems Paying Childbirth Expenses

Support for payment of childbirth expenses are provided for households with below the certain level of income. This applies only to childbirth in designated hospitals.

Maternity Classes and Parenting Classes

These classes teach various topics about childbirth and child-rearing. They also provide a forum for making new friends. These classes are conducted by the hospital or clinic at which you are scheduled to give birth and by Minato City.

6-2 Services for Working Mothers

The law enforces employment restrictions during pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing periods. A public system to supplement income during periods of leave from work is appropriately in place.

Birth Registration

A birth certificate will be issued by the hospital the clinic at which childbirth was performed (together with a Declaration of Birth). Please fill in the required fields, bring your Maternal and Child Health Handbook, and then submit the documents to a Regional City Office within 14 days of birth. It is necessary to carry out the procedure for obtaining residence status within 30 days of birth. Please check the procedures required by your embassy and the procedure for obtaining residence status ahead of time.

Post-Natal Checkups

Both mother and child will receive a checkup at the medical institution at which childbirth was performed one month after birth. All subsequent checkups for the baby will be provided by a designated pediatrics clinic. A home service by a public health nurse is also available.

Vaccinations

Speciﬁed vaccinations will be available free of charge. Details will be sent out by the health center. Vaccinations are to be received at a designated medical institution.

6-3 Child Allowance

Child allowance is provided to parents with children living in Japan through junior high school age. It is necessary to apply in advanced. Provided amounts are JPY 15,000/month per child from birth to two years old, JPY 10,000/month per child from three years old to elementary school age (JPY 15,000/month is provided for the third child and subsequent children), and JPY 10,000/month for children of junior high school age. A ﬁxed allowance of JPY 5,000 per child from birth to junior high school age will be provided to parents whose income is above the limit.

Medical Expense Subsidy for Children

The medical treatment costs of children who are of junior high school age and below and subscribed to public medical insurance will be subsidized. The amount to be paid to a medical institution usually becomes free of charge.

Support for Single Parents

An allowance is provided for single parents whose income is below the certain level. Consult with a Regional City Oﬃce for further details.

Nursery Schools

Children from 57 days old until elementary school age may be placed in a nursery school if necessary due to work and other reasons. Generally, childcare fees diﬀer in accordance with the age of the child and the income of the parents. The conditions and methods for entry are extremely complicated, and there is also a high number of applicants. It is advised that you consult with your nearest Regional City Oﬃce ahead of time. Applications may be submitted throughout the year, but they must be submitted around December of the previous year for entrance in April, when the school year starts.

Temporary Childcare Services

There are many private babysitting services. The cost is expensive, but they are ﬂexible about your needs. Minato City also provides temporary childcare services, and sends a babysitter to your place. Please check the Minato City Childrearing Handbook, “Minato KIDS” for further details. The information is also available on the Minato City website.

6-4 Education 7 for Children

Provides information on Japan’s education system and schools.

Japan's Education System

The education system in Japan is comprised of three (or two) years of kindergarten, six years of elementary school, three years of junior high school, three years of high school, and two years of junior college or four years of university. Compulsory education covers elementary school and junior high school. National schools, metropolitan schools, municipal schools, and private schools are available. The school year commences in April; it ends in March. The grade or level the students enter in elementary and junior high school is determined by their age. Skipping or repeating a grade is normally not allowed during the period of compulsory education.

Selecting a School

There is a wide selection of international schools, ethnic schools, public schools, and private schools in and around Minato City. Decide on a school in consideration of the period of time you will be residing in Japan, the education cost, and other factors. Children of foreign nationality may attend public elementary and junior high schools.

Kindergartens

Kindergarten is not covered by compulsory education. Public and private kindergartens are available. Private kindergartens may be attended by children regardless of their address. These schools provide special types of education such as religious education. The tuition in both municipal and private kindergartens is paid by parents. The enrollment fee and monthly fee charged by private kindergartens are expensive. Minato City provides ﬁnancial assistance, and the actual total cost is almost the same as that in public kindergartens.

7-1 Elementary Schools and Junior High Schools International Classes (English Support Course)

Public elementary and junior high schools can be attended without taking an These classes are held to ensure that children temporarily residing in Japan maintain entrance examination. A school commuting zone system is in effect, and the schools their English language skills. It is necessary to pass an English proficiency test to children attend are determined by their address. Children may attend a school in attend. The classes are held in Higashimachi Elementary School (1-8-11 Minami-azabu) another district if slots are available. In general, elementary, and junior high school and Nanzan Elementary School (3-8-15 Moto-azabu). The classes are only available for students walk to and from school by themselves. children of foreign nationality; Japanese children with dual nationality may not attend. Also, children residing in another school district may not attend unless slots are available. Eligible students will have Japanese and math classes in English, and for all Enrollment and Admission Procedure other subjects they will attend the same classes as Japanese children together with Please bring both the parent’ s and the child’ s International Class teachers (English Support teachers). passport and residence cards to the School Affairs Section on the 7th floor of Minato City Hall. School Expenses Assistance Children start school after their interview at the school. A financial support system is available to help families cover school expenses such as school lunches and school supplies if their income is below the certain level. Application for school expenses assistance at School Affairs Section is required. School Fees

The tuition and textbooks are free of charge. Expenses such as school lunches, Communicating with Schools indoor shoes, PE uniform, supplementary materials, tools for art and calligraphy classes, and ﬁeld trips, are to be paid in full. Payment is to be made by direct debit The school has to be contacted every time children are absent or arrive late. In into the bank account speciﬁed by the school. one academic term, there are one or two class visits, a parents’ meeting (where parents and meet and discuss matters with the homeroom teacher), and an individual interview (where a parent talks with the homeroom teacher). Learning Japanese

Japanese language classes are available at Kogai Elementary School (3-11-16 Nishi-azabu), Azabu Elementary School (1-5-15 Azabudai), and Roppongi Junior High School (6-8-16 Roppongi) for students who need to learn Japanese. Students from other public schools may attend these classes, but for elementary school students, their parents or guardians are required to drop them oﬀ and pick them up. The frequency and level of the Japanese language classes are determined in consultation with the school the child attends. There is also a system in which Japanese language instructors are dispatched to the school the child attends.

7-2 International Classes (English Support Course)

7-3 High School

Nearly all students who graduate from junior high school enter high school. National schools, metropolitan schools, and private schools are available. High school is not covered by compulsory education. It is necessary to pass an entrance examination to enter a high school. Correspondence and part-time high schools are also available.

Entrance Examinations

These are held between January and February. The entrance examination system is complicated, so it is advised that you attend school brieﬁngs and tours to gather information early once students have entered junior high school. Junior high school grades will also be subject to evaluation. Many students attend cram schools, employ home tutors, or attend correspondence schools to study in preparation for the entrance examinations. All of these cost money. It is recommended that you consult with support groups with regard to children who have already graduated from junior high school overseas before coming to Japan.

Multicultural Center Tokyo (Authorized Non-Proﬁt Organization) Arakawa Campus (main campus) 03-6807-7933 (Japanese, English, Chinese, Tagalog) Suginami Campus 03-6915-0200 (Japanese, Spanish) ※Please read No.9 [Consultations] for details.

Entrance Examinations for Overseas Students

Metropolitan high schools that hold special entrance examinations for overseas students are available. Conditions apply, such as the length of residence in Japan. Please visit Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education website for further details.

School Fees

Payment of tuition is required to enter either a public or private school. Various subsidy systems (ranging from national and metropolitan) are available depending on income. Please visit the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology website and other relevant pages for further details.

7-4 8 Working

Provides information on consultation centers and organizations that can help you when you experience problems in daily life or at work.

Employment Eligibility

Please check your status of residence. Those whose status of residence is “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” , “Long-Term Resident” , “Permanent Resident” , or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” can work with no restrictions. Other types of status of residence may allow individuals to work only in designated occupations. Those whose residence status is “Dependent” or “Student” may work part time for a certain number of hours after obtaining Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted from the Immigration Bureau. Inquire at the Immigration Bureau, your nearest Information Desk for Foreign Residents or Hello Work (refer to the next article) for any questions.

Places for Job Referral and Consultations

Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners http://tokyo-foreigner.jsite.mhlw.go.jp Monday to Friday, 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. (appointment required in advance if you need an English or Chinese interpreter) 21/F Odakyu Dai-ichi Seimei Building, 2-1-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku 03-5339-8625

Presents and hosts seminars providing job recruitment information and support for job seekers whose status of residence is “Student” or related to specialized or technical ﬁelds (“Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” “Skilled Labor,” , etc.). Also provides consultations with expert advisors.

8-1 Shinjuku Employment Service Center for Foreigners (Hello Work Shinjuku)

Monday to Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:15p.m. (English and Chinese interpreters available) Hello Work Shinjuku (1/F Kabuki-cho Oﬃce), 2-42-10 Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku 03-3204-8609

Provides consultations and referrals for job seekers whose status of residence is “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” , ” Long-Term Resident” , ” Permanent Resident” , or "Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” , as well as part-time job consultations and referrals for international students. Also provides consultations on the procedures necessary for changing the status of residence at the Immigration Bureau.

Hello Work Shinagawa

Monday to Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:15p.m. 5-35-3 Shiba, Minato City 03-5419-8609

Interpreters not available. A job referral center in Minato City.

8-2 When Employment has been Finalized

All labor laws and regulations apply to all workers, regardless of nationality. Make sure you receive employment and labor contracts in writing to avoid potential problems.

Remuneration

The salary you will receive from the company is subject to various deductions. The primary salary deductions are as follows: ● Income tax (national tax) ●Resident tax (Tokyo Metropolitan tax and Minato City tax) ● Health insurance premium (insurance that covers 70% of medical costs incurred at hospitals, clinics, etc.) ● Long-term care insurance premium (insurance for those 40 years or older, covering the cost of benefits received when nursing care becomes necessary) ● Employee pension premium (pension program that covers the cost of benefits received upon reaching retirement or having a disability) ● Employee insurance premium (insurance that covers the cost of benefits received during periods of unemployment)

Inquire with your company for questions or further information. Make sure you receive and keep pay slips for future reference.

8-3 Consultations When Problems Occur

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers

Language Day(s) Time Telephone No.

English 0570-001701

Chinese Mon to Fri 0570-001702

Portuguese 10:00a.m. to 12:00noon, 0570-001703

Spanish Tue/Thu/Fri 1:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. 0570-001704

Tagalog Tue/Wed 0570-001705

Vietnamese Wed/Fri 0570-001706

Tokyo Metropolitan Labor Consultation Center: Labor Consultation in foreign languages

Telephone consultations are also available. Call ﬁrst if you would like to make a consultation at the center. Interpreters in Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Thai, and Persian can be provided at the center on a speciﬁed date and time if requested in advance.

Language Day(s) Time Telephone No. Location

Tue Osaki Oﬃce 03-3495-6110 2/F Gate City Osaki West Tower, English 2:00p.m. 1-11-1 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku to Mon to Fri 4:00p.m. Iidabashi Oﬃce 03-3265-6110 9/F Tokyo Shigoto Center, Chinesee Tue/Wed/Thu 3-10-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku

Tokyo Labour Bureau: Foreign Workers Consultation Corner

Telephone consultations are also available.

Language Day(s) Time Telephone No. Address

English Mon/Thu/Fri 10:00a.m. to 13/F Kudan Common Chinese Tue/Thu 12:00noon, Government Oﬃce Bldg. 03-3512-1612 No. 3, 1-2-1 Kudan-Minami, Tagalog Tue/Wed 1:00p.m. to Chiyoda-ku Vietnamese Wed/Fri 4:00p.m.

8-4 ９ Consultations

Provides information on consultation centers and organizations that can help you when you experience problems in daily life or at work.

General Consultations

Minato City Foreign Residents’ Consultation 03-3578-2046 (appointment not required. Consultants serve as interpreters in City Hall)

English Mon to Fri 9:00a.m. to 12:00noon 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. 03-3578-2524

Minato Call 03-5472-3710 (information on Minato City’ s facilities and services)

English Daily 7:00a.m. to 11:00p.m.

Minato International Association (appointment required) 03-6440-0233 English Chinese Korean etc.

Mon to Sat (appointments accepted Monday to Friday) 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Foreign Resident Advisory Center English 03-5320-7744 (Mon to Fri) Chinese 03-5320-7766 (Tue/Fri) Korean 03-5320-7700 (Wed) 9:30a.m. to 12:00noon, 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Consultation Support Center for Foreign Residents 03-3202-5535 (consultations on residence status also available)

English Chinese Portuguese Spanish Bengali Indonesian Vietnamese 03-5155-4039

Mon‒Fri for English and Chinese (closed on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays) 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Other languages upon request

Status of Residence

Immigration Information Center (Foreign Residents Information Center) 0570-013904 Mon to Fri 8:30a.m. to 5:15p.m. Contact for details on available languages 03-5796-7112

Medical Care

Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center, 03-5285-8181 Foreign Language Assistance

English Chinese Korean Thai Spanish

Daily 9:00a.m. to 8:00p.m.

9-1 Education

Minato City Board of Education 03-3578-2111 (inquiries about Minato City’ s public kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools) (ext. 2726 to 2729) Japanese Mon to Fri 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Multicultural Center Tokyo - Arakawa Campus (main campus) 03-6807-7937 English Chinese Tagalog

Tue to Fri 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m., Sat 10:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.

Multicultural Center Tokyo - Suginami Campus 03-6915-0200 Spanish Mon to Fri 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

IWC Kokusaishimin no Kai 03-6331-4881 Mon to Sat 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Contact for details on available languages

Work

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: Telephone Consultation Service for Foreign Workers English 0570-001701 (Mon to Fri) Chinese 0570-001702 (Mon to Fri) Portuguese 0570-001703 (Mon to Fri) Spanish 0570-001704 (Tue/Thu/Fri) Tagalog 0570-001705 (Mon to Fri) Vietnamese 0570-001706 (Wed/Fri) 10:00a.m. to 12:00noon, 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Consultation Center: Labor consultation in foreign languages, Iidabashi Oﬃce 03-3265-6110 English Chinese (appointments accepted 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Mon to Fri 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. multilingual interpreters available for assignment upon request

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Labor Consultation Center: Labor consultation in foreign languages, Osaki Oﬃce 03-3495-6110 English (appointments accepted 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Tue 2:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. multilingual interpreters available for assignment upon request

Tokyo Labour Bureau: Advisory Services for Foreign Workers 03-3512-1612 English Mon/Thu/Fri Chinese Tue/Thu

Tagalog Tue/Wed Vietnamese Wed/Fri

10:00a.m. to 12:00noon, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m.

9-2 Law and Human Rights

Japan Legal Support Center 050-3383-5300 (Houterasu), Tokyo district oﬃce (for reservations only) Thu 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m. Contact for details on available languages

Japan Legal Support Center (Houterasu): 0570-078-377 Multilingual Information Service

English Chinese Korean Tagalog Spanish Portuguese Vietnamese

Mon to Fri 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Foreign-language Human Rights Hotline 0570-090-911 English Chinese Korean Filipino Portuguese Vietnamese

Mon to Fri 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Taxes

Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau 03-3821-9070 English Mon to Fri 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m., 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Housing Problems

Kanagawa Housing Support Center for Foreign Residents 045-228-1752 (Non-Proﬁt Organization)

English Mon to Fri 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Chinese Tue/Wed 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Korean Mon/Wed 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. Tue/Fri 1:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Spanish Mon/Thu/Fri 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Portuguese Fri 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

9-3 Women’ s Consultations

HELP Asian Women’ s Shelter 03-3368-8855 English Tagalog

Mon to Fri 10:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Other Consultations

Tokyo Metropolitan Comprehensive Consumer Center 03-3235-1155 English Chinese Korean (by phone or walk-in)

Mon to Sat 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Japan Post 0570-046-111 English

Mon to Fri 8:00a.m. to 10:00p.m. Sat/Sun/Holidays 9:00a.m. to 10:00p.m.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department: 03-5463-6000 Driver’ s License Telephone Service

English (voice prompt)

Daily All day

East Japan Railway (JR East) 050-2016-1603 English Chinese Korean

Daily 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m.

The Association of Nikkei & Japanese Abroad: 045-211-1788 Nikkei Consultation Center

Portuguese Spanish

Mon to Fri 2:00p.m. to 5:30p.m.

9-4