英語

Living Guidebook for
Foreigners
Gaikokujin no tameno
Seikatsu Gaido Bukku

常

総

市

Joso shiLiving Guidebook for Foreigners
Table of Contents
１

Living・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 3
2. House
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
3. Electricity. Gas . Water supply ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 4
4. Rules in everyday life
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
5. About work
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 5
6. About the Residents Association
・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 6
7. Contact
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 6
1. Resident Registration２

Proper Way of Garbage Disposal
1. Mitsukaido District
2. District of Ishige
3. Contact

３・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 7
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 9
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・10

Education and Childcare
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・11
2. Procedure concerning applying in school・・・・・・・・・・・12
3. Fees
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・13
4. About the Entrance Examination for high school・・・・・・・・13
5. Frequently asked questions
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・14
6. Contact
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・14
1. Education and Childcare System

４

Pension Insurance and health insurance
1. People living in Japan, join a system in Public
Pension Insurance and Health insurance.
・・・・・・・・・15
2. Insuring to Public Insurance ・The big difference in life,
if you do not insure
・・・・・・・・・15

・・・・・・・・・・・・・16
4. Public Pension System
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・17
5. Q & A about Public Health Insurance ・・・・・・・・・・・18
3. Public Health Insurance System

6. Q & A about Pension
7. Contact

５・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・18
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・18

Welfare Services
・・・・・・・・・・・・・19
2. Support for childbirth・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・19
3. Allowance for childcare support
・・・・・・・・・・・・・20
4. Medical system
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・21
5. System related to disability
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・21
6. Welfare for the elderly
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・22
7. Support in case you have difficulty in your daily living
・・22
8. Others・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・22
1. Mother- child health insurance

６

T a x
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・23
2. How to pay taxes
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・23
3. Main tax system
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・24
4. Tax Calendar
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・25
5. Important Points about tax ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・26
6. Contact
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・26
1. Japan Tax System

７

Disaster prevention
1. Countermeasures for Earthquake ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・27

・・・・・・・・・・・29
3. Preparation for Disaster・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・29
4. What to do in case of fire・・・・・・・・・・・・・・30
5. What to do in case of nuclear disaster ・・・・・・・・・・・30
6. Contact
・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・30
2. Countermeasures for Typhoon and FloodL i v i n g
1. Resident Registration（１）After entering Japan…
A resident should register at the office of the municipality you live. ( Juumin Toroku)【What to bring】1. Passport
2. Residence card (Zairyu kado)※In some cases, when registering an address in a place where family or friends who are
already living in, permission from them is necessary. In addition, there is also casethat documents are necessary to prove contract in the apartment and relationships.
For details, inquire at the city municipal office.
（２）When leaving Japan…
Please voluntarily inform the office of the municipality where you live in about leaving.
【What to bring】1. Residence card (Zairyu kado)※ You may be required to pay taxes and insurances and others for the period of living
in Japan. For details, check it to the appropriate division of the city office.
（３）When moving in Japan①
Moving in Joso City
Please report to Joso City Hall "Citizen Division" or to the Ishige
government building“ Living Center Division"（Kurashi no Madoguchi Ka）.
【What to bring】1. Residence card ( Zairyu kado)
2. Notification card or personal card number (Kojin bango kado)②

Moving into other place within Joso city
Please report to Joso city hall "Citizen Division" or to Ishige government building"Living Center Division".

【What to bring】
1. Residence card ( Zairyu kado)
2. Notification card or personal number card (Kojin bango kado)
3．Roll over certificate (before you reside to Joso city this was issued
from the municipal office you formerly lived in )※ Regarding the procedures of 1 and 2, if you move to a house already registered by yourfamily or friends, the consent of the household head of that house will be necessary.
In addition, there is also a case where the documents certifying the contract of theapartment, relationship and others. Please check the details at the municipal officeof the city.
③ Moving out Joso City to outside city
Please report to the Joso city hall "Citizen Division" or in Ishige government building"Living Center Division".
【What to bring】1. Residence card ( Zairyu kado )In addition to this, you may need to confirm other necessary things. If you have any
questions, please consult with Citizen Division of city hall (Shimin ka) or at Ishige
government building“Living Center Division”(Kurashi no Madoguchi Ka).
3

2. House
It is common to find a house through real estate agent in the district where you wantto live. When renting an apartment or a house, you need to pay security deposit, key money
and real estate agent brokerage fee in addition to the monthly rent.
The accumulated amount as security deposit is supposed to be returned at the time ofcancellation, but repairs of the apartment such as restoration of reclining tatami mats
may be deducted. The rent is always paid in advance and will be paid every month at theend of the previous month.
Since various procedures are necessary at the time of contract, we recommend go withsomeone who understands Japanese language. When canceling, it is necessary to notify thelandlord or real estate broker agency one month in advance.
※About Municipal and Prefectural Housing
Municipal and prefectural housing is constructed by the administration of city or
prefecture, and it is prepared for low-income people who are in need of housing.
Although recruitment of public housing is done periodically, the recruitment period andapplication procedure differ between municipal housing and prefectural housing, so pleasecontact the City Planning Division of Joso City hall for details.

3.

Electricity. Gas . Water supply（１） Electricity
Procedures are necessary when using electricity at home. When you
start using electricity, please fill in the name and entry date in
the postcard provided and post it.
（２） GasProcedures are necessary when using gas at home. When “transferring”, please contact
the gas company in your place of residence by phone. A gas company staff will come to thehouse to open the main plug and check the equipment. In the case of “Outgoing”, pleasecall the gas company in advance and tell them your customer number on the meter reading
notice and invoice, and then decide the date and time to get the gas company
to come.
（３） Water supply
Procedure is necessary when using water at home.
【Procedure method】: In the case you start to use water service, in thecase you stop or you leave for a few months, please do contact the Joso
city Waterworks Division and process.
【Payment method】: Since the notice will arrive every month, pay at a bank or convenience
store. It is advantageous to use a bank account transfer because there is discount.
Be careful of becoming delinquent in your payment, because the water supply will stop.

4

4.

Rules in everyday life

1) Let's try not to disturb neighbors.

2) Let’s keep in mind not to make noise, try not to play music with high volume
or speak loudly.

3)

Please keep the garbage on the designated date and time, sort it correctly

and put it out to the designated place.

4) Please park the bicycle and the car in the proper place.

5) Let's try to cooperate with the neighbors, like cleaning and tidying common
areas such as apartments.

5. About work
If you want a job, the type and conditions of work you can employ for will differ depends
on the status of residency.
If you are looking for a job you can consult in the “Hello Work”.

5

6.

About the Residents Association

The association of residents is a voluntary organization of the people living in the areathat are working to improve living environment, to deepen the relationship throughrecreation like festival, to help in solving local issues like welfare and disasterprevention, crime prevention and to help in cleaning.
【When joining ...】

What are the activities they do?

◇Through the residents association notices◇ Initiate to improve living

will be informed.

◇ We can interact with the people of the• Cleaning of the place, recycling◇ Initiate to improve the city and keep it

community, and we can help each other insafecase “need of help”.

• Activities such as crime prevention •◇Joining in the residents association has

disaster prevention, fire prevention •fee. Check the fee before joining.
◇ The community center can be used.

safety traffic◇

Initiatives

topromotecommunity(Kou Min Kan)

friendship•

Organizing events such as festivals(Matsuri) and sportsfest (Undoukai)【If you do not join ...】• Generational interaction◇ There are some districts where garbage• Group activities like children's associcannot be dispose if you do not join theresidents association

ations and silver clubs

7. Contact ※ When you call, let's tell the consultation content first.
Consultation content
Resident Registration
About Municipal
housing
About Electricity
About Water supply
About Sewerage
Consultation about
work
About Residents
Association
About Garbage

Place of consultation
Telephone number
Joso City Hall – Citizen Division（Shimin Ka）
0297-23-2111
Ishige Government building Living Center
0297-44-7844
Division(Kurashi no Madoguchi Ka)
Joso City hall Urban Planning Division0297-23-2111(Toshi Keikaku Ka)
TEPCO Ibaraki Customer Center
Joso City Hall Waterworks Division(Duido Ka)
Joso City hall Sewerage Division(Gesuido Ka)
Joso City “Hello Work”
Joso City Hall – General Affairs Division(Somu Ka)
Joso City hall Living Environment Division(Seikatsu Kankyo Ka)

60120-995-331
0297-23-1881
0297-23-2111
0297-22-8609
0297-23-2111
0297-23-2111

Proper Way of Garbage Disposal
In Joso City, the disposal of waste depends on the type of garbage, there are different
colors of garbage bags and the day of disposal differs.
【Collection of garbage】 The garbage collection date and segregation method are different
in the Mitsukaido district and in the Ishige district.
※For more information, please refer to Joshi city’s homepage or in the book of "Convenient
Living in Joso City ".

1. Mitsukaido District（１）

Types of Garbage

Note: Before disposing broken glasses and sharp objects, wrap it withpaper and write the word "danger" on it.

① Burnable Garbage : Burnable garbage
includes raw garbage, wooden garbage,
paper garbage and etc.

③ Recyclable Materials〇PET Bottle {Polyethylene Terephthalate}
PET bottles include plastic drink bottles,
soy sauce seasoning bottles and non-dressing
oil bottles.

②Non-Burnable Garbage：Like broken objects、
leather and rubber products.

〇 Plastic Container Packaging (Plastic
Container)
The plastic container and packaging are theplastic containers and wrappers that are
being used in food items.

PET bottle mark※ Please remove theircaps and labels. And
put it together withthe plastic container
in disposing.

〇Empty can
Like drinks in can (steel and aluminum)、canned goods、spray cans, cooking pots andkettle.

てく〇 Old Papers
だOld papers like newspaper, magazine, carton,さand paper pack.
い〇Empty glass bottle。
Bottle for food and drink are recyclable.
〇 Old Clothes
それ
Cotton products such as thin cotton likeらunder wears.
は
、
プ
7
ラ
ようき

容器

（２） Way of garbage disposal

Let us segregate and dispose our garbage properly!

【Designated garbage bags】Please put the garbage in the designated garbage bag and dispose.
① Burnable Garbage（Red） ②

Non-burnable garbage (Blue）③ Recyclable Meterials（Green）※Caution
１ Empty glass bottles are recyclables, however, you must not put it in a green garbage
bag to dispose. Please dispose it in the designated place in the container according
to the color of the bottle (transparent, brown and other color).
Transparent

Brown

Other color

・Disposable are limited to food and drink items
・There are similar items that made of glass bottles, but the following are included in the
non-burnable garbage, these are the heat resistant glass, ceramics, cosmetic bottle,
milky white bottle, fluorescent lamp, light bulb, dish ware and glass plate.
２

Please tie the old papers with string and dispose. And please put the dirty papers inthe burnable garbage and dispose① newspaper②magazine ③carton ④paper pack３

Please bundle the old clothes with strings. On the day that it rains, please dispose
it next time or put it in a transparent plastic bag and dispose.

（３） Days of Garbage Collection（All districts of Mitsukaido）【Burnable Garbage】：Every Tuesday and Friday【Non-burnable Garbage】：Every Wednesday【Recyclable plastic container】：Every Thursday【Recyclable PET bottle】：Every Wednesday of 1st, 3rd and 5th week of the month【Recyclable empty bottle, empty can, old papers and old clothes】: In Kinugawa East District、every Monday of 1st and 3rd week of the month: In Kinugawa West District, every Monday of 2nd and 4th week of the month8

2.

District of Ishige

Let us segregate and dispose our garbage properly!

（１）Types of Garbage and Way of Disposal① Burnable Garbage：②Non-burnable Garbage：

Like raw waste, paper waste,leather, rubber

Like broken objects, cans other than drink

and plastic.

cans and spray cans.

【Way of disposal】
Please put the garbage in thedesignated red garbage bag anddispose it in the place of
garbage collection.

【Way of disposal】
Please put the garbage inthe designated blue garbage
bag and dispose it in theplace of garbage collection.

③ Recyclable Materials〇Empty can、empty bottle（drink products）
and beverages like bottle of beer.
Canned goods, candy can and milk can are
non-burnable garbage.
【Way of disposal】
Please dispose the drink items in thedesignated collection boxes.
Can

Can

BottleSteel

AluminumTransparent〇PET Bottle
Bottles that belong to PET bottle are thosewith PET bottle mark.
Please dispose the containers of oil,sauce, detergent and shampoo as burnablegarbage.
【Way of disposal】
Please put the PET bottles in the designatedcollection box.
Please remove the labels and caps and put
it in a burnable garbage bag and dispose.
PET bottle markBottleBottleBottleBlue, Green

Brown

Black
〇Old papers, magazines and cartons【Way of disposal】Please segregate eachkind and bundle it with a string anddispose.

9

（２）Days of Garbage Collection

Recyclable
Materials

Recyclable
Materials（Empty can,empty bottle andPET bottle）（Old papers,
magazines andcartons）

Burnable
GarbageNon-burnable
Garbage

Every Monday
and Thursday

Every Wednesdayof 1st and 3rd weekof the month

Once a week

Every Wednesday
2nd week of themonth

Ishige District B–All
stations of southern partof the station(maliban sa East station)

Every Tuesday
and Friday

Every Wednesdayof 2nd and 4th
week of the month

Once a week

Every Wednesday
3rd week of themonth

Toyota District

Every Tuesday
and Friday

Tama District

Every Tuesday
and Friday

Okada District

Every Monday
and Thursday

Iinuma District

Every Tuesday
and Friday

District Name

Ishige District A- Main
Ishige, Streets of thestation, East Station(Tsuchiura Sakai sen ihoku)【 District Map

Every Wednesdayof 2nd and 4th weekof the month
Every Wednesdayof 2nd and 4th weekof the month
Every Wednesdayof 1st and 3rd weekof the month
Every Wednesdayof the 2nd and 4th
week of the month

Once a week

Once a week

Once a week

Once a week

Every Wednesday
3rd week of themonth
Every Wednesday
1st week of themonth
Every Wednesday
4th week of themonth
Every Wednesday
1st week of themonth】District of Ishige
Tama
Okada

Ishige A

IinumaToyodaIshige B

The day of garbage collection
differs in each district youlive in. So check it carefully
before you dispose!

3．Contact ※In calling, tell the content of the consultation first.
Content of consultation
About garbage

Place of consultation
Joso City – Living Environment
Section（Seikatsu Kankyo ka）

10

Telephone number
0297-23-2111

Education and Childcare
1.

Education and Childcare System
0～6 years old

6～12 years old

12～15 years old

15～18 years old

Senior HighYOUCHIEN
Kindergarden.

Mandatory Education

school【3～6 years old】 There is necessary education
period to attend school

Graduates

DAIGAKU（4 years）

DAIGAKUIN

TANKIDAIGAKU

Nursery school(3～4 years）

Junior highschoolElementary【0～6 years old】

(2 years）
Vocational School

school【0～6 years old】

University

22 years old～

Short term University

KOUTOUGAKKOU

Hoikuen

NINTEI
KODOMOEN
CertifiedChildcare

18～22 years old

Finding employment

SENMON GAKKOUSHOU GAKKOUCHUU GAKKOU（6 years）（3 years）（ 1～3 years）

SHUUSHOKUTechnical College【6～12 years old】【12～15 years old】

KOUTOU SENMON GAKKOU(5 years）（１） Education and Childcare before entering Elementary School
Name of the
Facility

Features
Can be used regardless ofKindergarten

parent’s employment, facility
for infant’s education

Age of the child thatwill attend

Place to apply

3 to 5 years(Until going 6 years ofage)

In the preferred

0 to 5(Until going 6 years ofage)

Joso City – Childkindergarten

Childcare facility, in behalf
Nurseryof parents, in case thechildcare cannot be done at

Department

home.

CertifiedChildcare

Facilities that combine
education as a kindergarten andeducation as a nursery.

0 to 5(Until going 6 years ofage)

In case ofkindergarten , apply
in the kindergarten.
In case of nursery,
apply in Joso City Child
Department※ The receiving depends on the child’s age, in the kindergarten, in the nursery
or in the certified childcare.
※ For those who want to enter nursery starting April, the application starts
from last of October until early November of last year, and please apply in
Joso City Child Department.
※ For those who want to enter in the public Kindergarten in April, please apply
in your preferred kindergarten from the middle of September of last year.

11

（２）School Education
SchoolAge to enroll

Place to apply

School Selection(Public)

Entrance Exam
(Public)

Elementary
School6 to12 years old(going to 7 year ofage ～)

City Board of
Education

The city designates

None

Junior Highschool12 to 15 years old(going to 13 years ofage ～)

City board of

15 to 18 years old(going to 16 years ofage ～)
Elementary andJunior High school
6 ～ 15 years old

Prefectural Board of

Senior High school
15 to 18 years old

Senior HighschoolSpecialSupportSchool※The city designates( There can be juniorhigh school selection
system)None

Preferred school

Yes

City board of
Education

Consult with the
city

None

Prefectural Board of
Education

Consult with thepreferred school

Yes

Education

Education※The Special Support School is a school where disabled children can attend. It has Primary
Division (Elementary school level), Middle Division (Junior High school level) and High Division(Senior High school level).

2.

Procedure concerning applying in school（In the case of Elementary 1st Grade）① In the case of attending to school starting
newsemester(monthofApril)
Apply and receive notification in Joso city
Board of Education (School Education
Department).

AugustOctober

To the parent of a child with a foreign
nationality who has a certificate ofresidence in Joso city, will receive
a guide of “School Enrollment
Application”. Do the school
enrollment application in the Boardof Education in the given due date.
At the same time you will receive thenotice (post card) for the scheduleof health check-up, fill out thenecessary information.
※ The residence card, mother-child
Hand book and stamp are needed.
Holding of health check-up.

February The school enrollment notice will
arrive.
There is admission briefing session.
April

Abril

There is Entrance Ceremony.

Mayroong Entrance Ceremony

12② In case of transferee in school
Go to the Joso city Board of Education(School Education Division).
〇Tell that you want to enroll your child inschool.
〇Fill out the enrollment application form.

【The needed document for enrollment】

These are resident card (parent and thechild to be enrolled), AttendanceCertificate and report book.

3. Fees
Elementary
schoolJunior highschoolSenior High school
Not free

Tuition fee

Free

Books

Free

School supplies◎※Depends on the financial support ofthe country on the income of thehousehold.

Not freeNot free ※ The school lunch and school trip are self-pay.

Money Aid and Scholarship System① System of “ Aid for schooling”: Public Elementary School and Public Junior High school
When the board of education acknowledges that schooling (going to school) is difficult due toeconomic reasons (such as no money), you can receive necessary aid like in school supplies money
and school lunch fee and others. There are income restrictions on subjects such as
welfare-protected households and semi-protected households. Application will be submitted to
the Board of Education through the school.
② System of “Scholarship”: Senior High school
Regardless of national public or private, you can receive scholarship grant as support for
tuition fee in high school.
In each prefecture, there are scholarship benefits for high school students, support like ineducational expenses (like textbooks and school supplies) aside from the tuition fee, for the
low-income household.

4. About the Entrance Examination for high school
In Japan, the child can go to a preferred high school.

But to enter in the Senior High school,

there is entrance examination. The entrance examination has “General Examination” (Japanese
Language, English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science), and has “Special Selection for
Foreigners”.
The Special Selection for Foreigner is…
All prefectural Senior high school in Ibaraki prefecture is holding
Special Selection for Foreign Students.
However, it is limited to within 3 years from coming to Japan.
Number of applicants: 2 or more at each schoolContent of the examination: Japanese Language, English, Mathematics + Interview
Source：『Guidebook in Entering School for Parent and Child』（https://www.commons-globalcenter.org/翻訳資料等/教育関係/）

13

5. Frequently asked questions(１) Can you enroll in a grade with a different age or if you are overage? ？
In the case of less than 15 years old, as general rule, you will go to the gradethat matches your age, but in the case of age 15 and over, the rules become asfollows:❶In case you want to go to Junior high school: The general rule is you cannot enter in the
public Junior high school.

You can study in a school called “Night Junior High school”.

❷In case you want to go to Senior high school:

You have to pass the entrance examination,and the age is not in consideration.
※ Important point・Those who has student and working visa cannot take the exam.
・In case of a minor, you cannot take the exam if you are not living with your parents.
・It is necessary in the exam either, the Certificate of Mandatory Education (9 years), or thecertified Certification of Junior High school Graduation Degree Certification Exam.
（２）What does the international class do?
If the Japanese language is not enough, or it is not at the level equivalent to the grade level
in Japan, there is Japanese language support at the international class. There are schools with
International class and there are schools with none.
（３）What is the difference between a foreign school and a public school?
Besides entering in the public school, there is also a choice to enter in a foreign school.
Many of the foreign schools have their own curriculum set up and specified language in each school(like if Brazilian school, they use Portuguese). Some foreign schools can also enroll fromkindergarten until Senior High school division.
（４） Are there other important things?
Be sure to call the school in case of late, absent or will leave early.
Let's participate in PTA and class visitation. And also, let's participate incommunity’s children association.
There is school lunch at the school. They also do daily cleaning at the school as a way ofliving instruction.
To prevent accident, let's refrain from wearing earrings and accessories at the school.
Inside the school, they have a manner of wearing inside shoes.
When going to elementary school, there are groups being created in each area for the groupin going to and going from school.

6. Contact※ In calling, tell the content of the consultation first.

Content of Consultation
About Public Kindergarten, Elementary
school and Junior High school
About Nursery andCertified child care

Place of consultation
Joso City Board of Education – School
Division (Gakko Kyoiku ka)
Joso City hall – Child Division(Kodomo ka)

14

Phone number
0297-44-6346
0297-23-2111

Pension Insurance and health insurance
1.

People living in Japan, join a system in Public Pension Insurance and Healthinsurance.

In Japan, people of old age, disability and death, receive money from
Pension Insurance (National Pension · Welfare Pension), and in caseof illness or injury, you will only pay a small amount which is throughmedical insurance (National Health Insurance and Company’s Health
Insurance). Only people who insured in these insurances will receive
the benefits. The foreign residents are also required to insure in the
Public Pension and Health Insurance. (Excluding short term stay of less than one year)
Even if you think you are healthy, there is a possibility of accident or illness.
If you do not have medical insurance it would be difficult to afford a treatment orsurgery. And also, if you do not have Pension Insurance when you get older or becomesdisabled, you will not be able to work, you will have no income. That is why thissystem is very important, make sure to insure.
2.

Insuring to Public Insurance ・The big difference in life, if you do not insure

HealthInsurance

Events in life

Insured person

Not insured person

Illness

In 30% self-paid payment, you
can receive treatment

All the payment is selfburden

Surgery or
Confinement

Will pay a fixed cost so theself-burden is little

All the payment is selfburdenWill receive Sickness
Cannot work due toaccident

Allowance (Those Health
Insurances from the company

There is no Sickness
Allowancetobereceived

only)Childbirth
If you had an
accident and becomesa disabled person
PensionInsurance

In case of deathMore than 10 years of
payment and became anelderly person (65years old)Can
receive
Childbirthallowance in lump sum payment
There are cases you can receive
Disability Pension
Your family will
Survivor Pension

receive

Will receive Old Age Pension

15

All the payment is selfburden
There is no Disability
Pension to be received
There is no Survivor
Pension to be received
There is no Old-age
Pension to be received

3. Public Health Insurance System
Public Health Insurance is an important insurance that will bear
the burden of our medical expenses. It is represented in National Healthand Company’s Health Insurance. Regardless of which insurance you
insured, you can receive equal medical care throughout the country.
（１）National Health Insurance
Aside from those who are being insured to the company’s insurance, and thosereceiving Welfare Protection, you will be insured in National Health Insurance.
（２）Health Insurance of the companies
The Health Insurance of the companies is insurance which guarantees the medical
expenses of the general employees.
There is also a system for the dependent, that a family member can be covered whose
annual income is less than 1.3 million yen.
（３）The difference between “National Health Insurance” and “Company’s Health
Insurance”
National Health Insurance

Company’s Health Insurance

Conditions
to insure

Those self-proprietor andunemployed person

Those regular employees who work for
a company and those working more than
3/4 of the regular employees

Counter inchargeMunicipal National Health
Insurance counter

Association Kenpo or each social
insurance union

Insurance
Premium

Calculated based in thehousehold’s, number of insured,age and income

Calculated on an individual basis,by age and income

Dependent

There is no concept of dependency,
insurance premiums increase or
decrease depending on the number of
insured in the households

You can support relatives within theaccreditation range

How to pay
Insurance
Premium(tax)

Pay at the counter※Pay at the bank or convenience
store

Deductible from salary16

4. Public Pension System
All persons with an address within Japan is obliged to join, there are two kindsof Public Pension.
SystemDescription
National Pension
All people living within Japan whose over 20 years old and below(Kokumin Nenkin)
60 years old
Welfare Pension
All persons who work for a company that is eligible for(Kosei Nenkin)
employees' welfare pension insurance（１）National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin)
In the National Pension, those who can receive “Basic Pension” are all persons
living in Japan whose over 20 years old and below 60 years old, these are the elderly
person, disabled person and from death.
In National Pension, there are 3 types, the insured “No. 1”, “No. 2” and “No.
3”, and the way payment depends in which system you are in.
① Insured No. 1
Persons who are self-employed, who are in agriculture, forestry
and fishery、student and unemployed② Insured No. 2
Person who is in Welfare Pension Insurance、 joining in the
Mutual Aid Association③ Insured No. 3 A spouse who has become a dependent family of person who are in
Welfare Pension Insurance and joining in the Mutual Aid Association（２）Welfare Pension (Kosei Nenkin)
Person who is insured in Welfare Pension Insurance, who joins National Pension
through Welfare Pension Insurance system, is classified as Insured No. 2, and will
receive “Welfare Pension” in addition to National Pension “Basic Pension”
benefits.

Welfare Pension Insurance

Part of the 2nd
Category

National Pension （Basic Pension）

Part of the 1st
Category

Insured No.1

Insured No. 2

Insured No. 3

Such self-employed

Such as employees and public officials

Such as dependent
spouse of employees andpublic official

17

5. Q & A about Public Health Insurance
Q
What will happen if while working the injury occurred?
A
The treatment costs for injuries or diseases due to work are treated not by
medical insurance but by Employees Compensation Insurance.
Q What should be done when moving out of Joso City or returning home?
A If in the case of moving out from Joso City or returning to your home country,
make sure to return the health insurance card and settle the tax in the city
hall. If you move out or return home and left the resident and health insurance
tax unpaid, there will be additional charge to be paid, and problem may occurs
in renewing your visa when you return.
6. Q & A about Pension
Q How long to be insured in the pension and will it be paid in the future?
A The 65 year old elderly that can receive old-age pension needs to have contributed
for not less than 10 years.
Payment amount is calculated according to
subscription period. The disability pension and survivor pension are required
to participate for at least 1 year or more and may not be paid if there isdelinquency in the insurance premium. Like Brazil and Philippines, they have pension
agreement with Japan, the period during which pension insurance fee was paid can betotaled. ※If you have a nationality other than Brazil and Philippines, make sure
your country has this agreement.

Q Mostly working more than 4 days a week in a company, but why is not my insurance
premium deducted from my salary?
A There is a possibility that you were not insured to the welfare pension. Confirm
the subscription status to the company once.
Q Person who insured to Japan’s pension insurance, if in case of returning to his
own country, can he still receive pension?
A Person who insured to pension insurance (Welfare pension, National pension) inJapan, may receive the lump-sum withdrawal upon returning to their country. (Toclaim lump-sum withdrawal payment, apply for it within 2 years. The amount depends
on the pension’s subscription period. If you receive the lump-sum withdrawal
payment, the period will be reset, so consider it carefully.
Q When will it be necessary to change the pension system?
A As an example, change of system is required in the following cases:① Resigned in a company and became self-employed ・・・Insured No. 2 → becomes
Insured No.1 (insured in National Pension of City Hall）② If Got married at the age of 18 and became dependent of the spouse and became
20 years old・・・Insured No. 3 (insured in Welfare Pension of the company）③ Dependent of a spouse, with an annual income of more than 1.3 million yen・・・
Insured No. 3 → will become insured No. 1 or No.2
④ Dependent spouse, divorced and not working、・・・ from Insured No. 3 → will
become Insured No. 1
7．Contact※In calling, tell the content of your consultation.

Content of Consultation
About National Health Insurance andNational Pension Insurance
About Health Insurance and Welfare Pension

18

Contact
Joso City – Health Section(Kenko Hoken ka)
Shimodate Pension Office

Phone number
0297-23-2111
0296-25-0829

Welfare Services
1. Mother- child health insurance① Record of mother- child health (Boshi techo): It is a notebook in which thedata of all the medical examinations of the mother during pregnancy, the baby's
health exams and the vaccines are recorded. Once you have confirmed thepregnancy, you must apply at the municipality.
② Health examination: You may consult to a doctor for the health, physicalmeasurement and upbringing of the child in the Health Center or Ishige General
Welfare Center.

2. Support for childbirth① Baby Gifts (Shussan Iwai Kin)
It is given for the newly born baby and will be hand over to theperson who gave birth or to its spouse.
For the foreign nationals, are those who live in Joso city of more
Objectthan 6 months, a permanent resident or a special permanent resident
Amount to be
1st child 5,000 yen, 2nd child 10,000 yen, 3rd child and so on 20,000
receivedyen.
・Apply within 90 days after giving birth.
The Conditions ・The person who gave birth and the spouse have no delinquency intax payment.
Place to apply Child division of Joso City (Kodomo ka) ☎ 0297-23-2111② Child birth Lump-sum Payment Allowance (Syussan Ikuji Itiji Kin)
It is a system that gives part of expenses for childbirth.
ObjectPersons ensured in National Health or Health Insurance.

Amount to bereceived

420,000 yen or 404,000 yen（if you give birth in other country）

Place to apply

To the hospital where you gave birth, (if you use direct payment
system)To the Joso City Municipal Health Insurance Section (if you do notuse direct payment system) ☎ 0297-23-2111③ Child birth Allowance (Syussan Teate Kin)
It is a system that you can receive allowance during childcare leave.
ObjectAmount to bereceived
Place to apply

Person ensured in Health Insurance. (Excluding dependent)
Because the calculation is based on salary amount, it is not uniform.
In addition, by principle, the period of receiving the allowance is
98 days.
Company working at(This system does not apply to National Health Insurance members)

19

3.

Allowance for childcare support① Child Allowance (Jido Teate)
It is given to those who are raising children before secondary school ends.
Child living with parents in Japan with the age up to 15 years
Objectold. (Turned 15 years old until March 31)
3 years old and below: 15,000 yen
More than 3 years old until primary school has ended: 10,000
Amount to be
yen (from 3rd son 15,000 yen)received
From Junior high school, up to 15 years: 10,000 yen（Monthly）※ If any income of the parents exceeds the limit, they will be treatedas restricted household and will receive 5,000 yen per person.

Payment time
Necessary documentsin the time of
application
Place to apply

3 times a year (June, October, February)
Passport, residence card and My Number of all household members
Submit the current status every June of each year.
Child division of Joso City (Kodomo ka) ☎ 0297-23-2111② Allowance for child support (Jido Fuyo Teate)This is given to a single parent.
ObjectAmount to bereceived

Place to apply

Father, mother or guardian who has custody of the children until 18 years
old (until 31st March after the birthday of 18 years old) in a single parent
household. (In the case of disabled child it is until below 20 years old.

1 child
Can receive 42,500 yen
Can partially receive
42,490 to 10,030 yen

2 children
10,040 yen or more
10,030 to 5,020 yen

3 children or more
6,020 yen or more
6,010 to 3,010 yen※The payment period are on April, August and December, but there is a possibility
that it may change in the future. If became a single parent from divorce, thecertificate of divorce or birth certificate from own country wherein the historyof divorce is stated, and the birth certificate of the children are necessary.
(Japanese translation is required in both cases.).

Child Division of Joso city hall (Kodomo ka) ☎ 0297-23-2111③ Multi-Family Household Child Rearing Support Fund (Tashisetai Kosadate Oen Kin)
This is given to those who do the child rearing starting from third child.
With children until the age of 18 (who reached the age of
Object18 until March 31), parents of the three child or more andin compulsory education period.
Amount to be received Third child 10,000yen, Fourth 20,000yen, from the fifth(annual amount)
30,000yen
・ A Special permanent resident or permanent resident
foreigner
Conditions
・Person who have continuous address for one year or morein the basic Resident Registry of Joso City base on dateas of October 1
Place to applyChild Division of Joso City (Kodomo ka) ☎ 0297-23-2111

20

4. Medical system① Medical welfare expenses payment system（Marufuku）
It is the system that subsidizes part of the burden of medical expenses in thefollowing cases. It is only for insurance on medical treatment. There are cases where
it cannot be used due to income restrictions.
This can be used for medical expenses in obstetrician orPregnant woman gynecologist one month after child birth, and once you receive
the mother and child record book.
Medical expenses for children from birth to senior high school
equivalent (until the 31st of March after the 18th birthday)Child
Medical expenses (for confinement only of junior high school
students and senior high school students)
Single-parent
Medical expenses for those who do not have a spouse and who arefamilyraising children under the age of 18 and their children
Those disabled
persons

Medical expenses for persons with Physically Disabled Personal
Handbook grade 1 or 2 and those with an IQ of 35 or lessPlace to apply

Health Insurance Division of city hall (Kenko hoken ka)☎ 0297-23-2111② Medical expenses payment system (Sukusuku Iryohi Seido)This is a support medical system for student from grade 1 Juniorhigh school to Senior high school(until 18 years old until March 31),
because they are no longer covered by the Medical Welfare Expense
System (Marufuku) which is for 0～12 years old children. (This covers
Insurance of medical treatment only.)

5. System related to disability① Special child support allowance (Tokubetsu Jido Fuyo Teate)This can be received by the guardian or taking child care to a mentally or physicallydisabled child who is less than 20 years old.
Applicable child for grade 1 level【Payment amount 1 person: 51,700
yen】 (corresponding to any of the following)① Person with physical disability are generally leveled to grade
1 and 2(There are exceptions to internal disease.)② Person with Personal handbook of Maru A or A.
③ Person with mental disability and with Health care and welfare
Object andnotebook is generally leveled as grade 1.
amount to bereceived
Applicable child for grade 2 level【Payment amount 1 person: 34,340（Monthly amount） yen (corresponding to any of the following)① Persons with Physical disability are generally leveled to grade
3 (There are exceptions to internal disease.)② Persons with a care recipient generally leveled as B.
③ Person with Health and welfare notebook for mentallyhandicapped person of the grade 2.
Social Welfare Division of Joso city (Shakai fukushi ka)
Place to apply☎ 0297-23-2111

21

② If you want to receive services for children and adults with disabilities in thebody, intellectual, and mental❶ Consult the social welfare division of Joso city (shakai fukushi ka)❷ After receiving the diagnosis about the disability, depending on the type and levelof disability, you may receive a “Welfare Service Certificate” (jukyushashou),❸ With this " Welfare Service Certificate ", the child may receive consultation likehealth care and child care day service after school, and for adults, you may receive
services like employment support，living support, admission support and etc.

6. Welfare for the elderly〇Nursing-care Insurance (Kaigo Hoken)
Nursing-care insurance is a system that can receive nursing care services by reducing
the economic burden when care is necessary for people older than 65 years (depending
on illness and from 40 years old and above and even under the age of 65).
For those over the age of 65 (combined with medical insurance for those over 40 years
old and under 65 years old), it is necessary to individually pay nursing care premiums.
There is a care plan that is being made that is applicable to each person and careservices like day service, home help, bed lending, house renovation, diaper allowance,
utilization of facilities and others, and the self-pay for availing this is from 10%
to 30%.
Those who can avail of this nursing-care are those who paid the nursing care insurance
premiums (insured in Health insurance from the age of 40 years old until 65 years old).
And for those who did not paid the nursing-care premiums, in case they want to avail
the service, it is self-pay and very expensive.
The counter is the Enjoyable Long-life Division (Shiawase Choju Ka) ☎ 0297-23-2111.

7. Support in case you have difficulty in your daily living.
If there are costs that cannot be paid such as for medical expenses, rent, debts
and if daily living becomes difficult, this can respond to your consultation.
The counter is in the Social Welfare Division of Joso city (Shakai Fukushi Ka)☎ 0297-23-2111.

8.

Others① In case of suffering to damage of DV (Domestic Violence)
You should not suffer alone, it is important to seek advice. You can consult withthe city hall (Human Rights Promotion Division : Jinken Suishin Ka) and to the police.
The telephone for consultation with the DV specialist is ☎ 0570-05-5210② When you notice a case of child abuse.
Considered in the child abuse are physical abuse like beating and bullying, mental
abuse like embarrassment, not giving of food or neglect and the sexual abuse. To preventchild abuse, if you notice someone around has been abused, notify city hall’s Child
consultation Center(Jido sodan jo). The nationwide common report destination
telephone number is ☎ 189.

If you will not pay city tax,
you may not avail Welfare Services.

22

T a x
1. Japan Tax System
The Japan taxation system is divided first into National Tax that is to be paid to the country
and Local Tax that is to be paid to prefectures and municipalities, the place of payment differs.
Also, there are taxpayers paying direct money for the tax, this tax is included in the price ofpurchased goods and it represents tax called “Consumption Tax”. These are summarized as follows:

National tax(Tax office)

P
A
Y
E
E

Local tax
(Prefectural
tax office)Local tax
（City Hall）

2.

Self-paid Taxes（Direct Tax: Tyokusetsu zei）
・Income tax (when you receive a salary)
Usually drawn from salary・Corporate tax (paid by company manager)
・Inheritance tax (when you receive
inheritance)
・Gift tax (when you receive money)
・Automobile tax (vehicle with 660 cc or
more)
・Real Estate Acquisition Tax (when you
buy house or land)
・Prefectural Tax (Inhabitant Tax)
・Municipal tax (Inhabitant tax)
Drawn from salary, or by yourself
・National Health Insurance Tax
・Light motor vehicle tax (motorcycle,
minicar)・Property tax (house and land tax)

Tax included in the goods（Indirect Tax: Kansetsu zei）
・Consumption tax (when you
buy goods)
・Tobacco tax(when you buy cigarette)
・Liquor tax
・Local Consumption Tax
・Prefectural and City Tobacco
Tax

How to pay taxes

Other than the system of paying directly through the city hall counter or through banking
facilities with the payment form sent to you, the city tax payment can also be made through thefollowing:(1) Convenience store payment
Take the paper (payment form) to pay the tax. Payable taxes include national health insurance
tax, city and prefectural tax (ordinary collection), light motor vehicle tax, property tax andetc. If the due date expires or the payment amount exceeds 300,000 yen, payment through convenience
stores cannot be made.
(2) Account transfer
It will be debited from the bank or post office account at each payment deadline.
Apply personally in your account for it in the post office or bank.
(3) Credit card payment
You can pay tax through credit card using " Yahoo！ Public Payment”.

23

3. Main tax system（１）Income tax
Tax on individual income such as salary of the company.

Mechanism of Income Tax
Salary Deduction（B）

Amount(A)※ The tax rate depends on the Taxable Income amount（E）

Income Deductions（D）

SalaryAmount of

Taxable Income

Income（C）

Amount

×

＝

Rate

(E)
Ex. Monthly Salary Amount 160,000yen

Tax

Salary deduction + Social Insurance + Basic Deduction

Income Tax

Tax Deduction Amount（F）

AmountIncome Tax Payable Amount

Taxable Income

Tax rate

Income Tax Payable Amount

年収 1,920,000円 ー（756,000円 + 286,000円 + 380,000円）＝ 498,000円 × 5％＝24,900円
The Salary Income Deductions (D) depends on annual income The Deductions are the things being deducted.
Income Deductions（D) includes: (the bigger the less tax)

Social insurance premium deducted from salary will also be deducted from

Basic Deduction (きそこうじょ）
Spouse Deduction（はいぐうしゃこうじょ）
Dependent Deduction （ふようこうじょ）
Social Insurance Premium Deduction（しゃかいほけん
りょうこうじょ）Life Insurance Premium Deduction（せいめいほけん
りょうこうじょ）etc,

the amount of income.

Tax Deductions （F）includes: （the bigger the less

The Amount of Income (C) is provided in the Tax Certificate.

In "Basic Deduction" , the minimum basic deduction for living expenses is
380,000 yen.
There are also deductions for spouses and dependent relatives. If there aremany dependents income tax will be reduced.

tax）Housing Loan Deductions and others.
※

From year 2013 to 2037, 2.1% of the income tax amount paid will be added as a Special Reconstruction Income Tax.

The Year-end adjustment (Nenmatsu Chosei)
When you receive a company salary, the withholding tax corresponding to wages (income) is
deducted in the salary, and the company pays the income tax to the country. However, the originalincome tax is calculated by multiplying the income minus expenses by the tax rate. In Japan, thecompany often makes this calculation on behalf of employees and it is called year-end adjustment.
And for this, the company collects the information of "life insurance certificate" and "family
dependents" from employees at the end of the year.
Through year-end adjustment described above, the expenses like the various deductions and the“income tax that should be paid” are being calculated.
If the "amount withheld from salary” is greater than “income tax that should be paid”, inprinciple", that amount will be returned to you. In case where it was not withheld, you will pay
income tax later.

The Tax Return (Kakutei shinkokou)
In the case the Year-end adjustment is not done in the company, in the caseof self-employed, in the case you are receiving salary from two or more companies
and in case you purchase house, you need to file the tax return by yourself. If
you do not know how to declare tax, consult with the tax office or the Tax
Department of the city. (The period of filing Tax return is from February 16 to
March 15).

24

（２）National Health Insurance Tax (Kokumin Kenkou Hoken Zei）
Those who have a resident card in Joso City will join the National Health Insurance of Joso
City (person eligible for health insurance in the workplace such as social insurance will be
excluded). National Health Insurance Tax according to income of the previous year Taxed on a
per household basis.
Payment month: July・August・September・October・November・ December・ January・February・March（３）City and Prefectural Tax (Residence Tax) (Jumin Zei)
It is a tax payable to municipalities that have resident registration as of January 1st. It
is taxed according to income of the previous year. There is a method that the company draws fromthe salary (special collection), but otherwise it will paid at the post office, bank, convenience
store, credit card or in the city hall according to the payment letter that arrives at home.
Payment month : June・ August・ October・January.
（４） Light Motor Vehicle Tax (Kei Jidosha Zei)
It is being paid every April 1 of each year by the person who owns motorcycles and mini vehicles.
Owners of vehicles exceeding 660 cc will pay automobile taxes to the Prefectural Tax Office.
In case you give or receive a car or motorcycle, if you will not do the procedure to change thename of ownership, the tax will be levied to the owner whom it was named. Procedures are also
required when scrapping cars.
Payment month: May（５）Property Tax (Kotei shisan Zei)
Every January 1st of every year, person who owns land, houses and etc., pays
tax in the city.
Payment month : April・ July・ December・February

4. Tax Calendar
Types of Tax (Tax being paid to the City)
Month

City Prefectural
Tax

Property tax

May
2nd payment
2nd payment

3rd payment
3rd payment

4th payment
5th payment
3rd payment

DecemberFebruary

1st payment
2nd payment

NovemberJanuary

Insurance Tax

1st of payment

September
October

Vehicle Tax

One-time payment (Full)

July
AugustNational Health

1st of payment

April

June

Light Motor

4th payment

6th payment
7th payment

4th payment

8th payment
9th payment

March

25

5. Important Points about tax（１）Resigns in a company
If there is remaining unpaid residence tax from the previous year, it can be
deducted from the last salary to the company or you may pay in the city hall by yourself.
（２）When returning home to own country
There are cases that City and Prefectural Taxes (Residence tax) and National Health
Insurance Tax left unpaid, so please pay in full.
（３）What happens if tax is not paid?
If you were not able to pay taxes until due date it is called Payment Delinquency. And if there
is Payment Delinquency, dunning letters or demand for payment will be sent to you continuously.
If there is overdue, you will be charged with penalty according to the number of days. If the
Payment Delinquency continues, payment of tax may be deducted from deposits or salaries and theproperties like car may be forfeited. So before it happens, consult in the city hall.
（４）When you want to send remittances to relatives in overseas and to other dependents subject
for deduction
In order to reduce the tax, submit a dependent or relatives to the "Salary Income Dependent
Deductions Declaration" distributed from the company every year. The needed requirements ofdependent relatives should be submitted until 31 December of the year.
1) Relatives of the person receiving the salary (※1)2) Living with a person receiving the salary (※2)3) Annual income of relatives is 380,000 yen or less (※3) (annual salary income is 1,030,000
yen)※ 1 Relatives include spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, siblings,
spouse's parents, grandparents and siblings. Dependent relatives under the age of 16 below, income
taxes are not subject to dependent deductions, but the citizens tax and prefectural taxes may
be related to the tax amount.
※2
Even if you are not living with your relatives living in abroad (includin those studying
abroad), you can meet the requirements as long as you can prove through documents that you are
remitting for their living expenses. To remit the living expenses to relatives overseas and to
make them dependent for deduction, the relatives in overseas need to prepare the following
documents:"Relationship document" ： Original document issued by your own country to prove the relationship"Remittance-related documents" ： Foreign remittance statements issued by the financial
institutions. When sending money to several relatives living overseas, it is necessary to remit
separately.
※3
The income of relatives living overseas is not included in 380,000 yen.
6．Contact ※ when calling, tell the contents of the consultation first.
Consultation Content
Place of Consultation
About City Tax
Joso City Tax Division (Zeimu ka)
Prefectural Tax
Chikusei Prefectural Tax Office
National Tax
Shimodate National Tax Office26

Telephone Number
0297-23-2111
0296-24-9183
0296-24-2121

Disaster prevention
Disaster prevention is preparing yourself to know how to act in the event of adisaster. Japan is a country in which many earthquakes occur. It is being said thatin the near future there will be a strong earthquake that will occur in the surroundingsof Tokyo. Moreover, a typhoon that brings strong wind and heavy rain comes to Japan’sarchipelago. When typhoon strikes directly, heavy rains can cause rivers to overflow.
In 2015, the Kinugawa River’s dike collapsed and caused a flood disaster. On theother hand, fires or nuclear disasters can happen, that is why it is very important
to know what to do in those cases.
1. Countermeasures for Earthquake
The seismic intensity is the impact of ground movement.
Mild Intensity 5 Plates or books from the shelves can drop
Strong Intensity 5 Furnitures or fences can fall
Mild Intensity 6 Light wooden houses can be tilted
Strong Intensity 6 Light wooden houses can be destroyed
Intensity Scale 7 Light constructions can be destroyed
・When an earthquake of more than Intensity 5 occurs, there is a possibility that houses
will be destroyed or light and water supply will be cut off.
・Due to the “liquefaction”of the ground, houses can be tilted.
・When there are disasters, trains or highways cannot be used andWill cause traffic congestion.
・Most stores will be closed and there will be scarcity of gas and fuel.
・When there is a strong earthquake, many aftershocks follow, there are also possibilities
that a few days later another strong earthquake will occurs.

（１） What to do in case of earthquake① When you are at home…
・As soon as you feel the shaking, take refuge under a durable table or something similar
and protect your head.
・Open the front door, prepare to escape.
・Hurriedly running away is dangerous, broken glasses could fall.
・Inside the house broken glasses may scatter that is why you must wear
shoes or sandals.
・Turn off the fire from gas appliances and stoves.
If you cannot, call 119.
・ When you evacuate, you must disconnect the main gas valve and theelectrical breaker before leaving.
・When you leave, post a piece of paper on the door with a message “The family aresafe and we evacuated in ________”.

27

② When you are outside
・Protect your head from loose tiles or glass that may fall.
・Stay away in walls or vending machines because it may fall and protect your head.
・Take refuge in wide places like schools and parks.
③ If you are in an elevator
To avoid getting trap, press the buttons of all floors and get off as fast as youcan.
④ Beware of Tsunamis
When an earthquake occurs near the sea or river, there is a possibility of a tsunami,
you must move away immediately and look for a high place.
⑤ Beware of landslides
When a strong earthquake occurs in the mountain, there is a possibility thatlandslides will block roads⑥ When you are driving.
Turn on hazard lights and park on the left side of the road. Gather information
through the radio or cell phone. When you leave from your vehicle, leave the key
in your vehicle and carry with you the vehicle registration. Leave a note with yourphone number and do not leave the key locked.
（２）Preparation for earthquake・Fix the furniture at home.
・One of the most causes of death in an earthquake is to be crushed by furniture athome. (tsunami is not included)
・As much as possible, do not to put large furniture in the bedrooms.
・Place fire detectors on the ceilings of bedrooms, kitchen and stairways (fire detector
with sound alarm)28

2. Countermeasures for Typhoon and Flood
As the typhoon approaches, wind and rain will be strong. In advance, secure thingsoutside the house to prevent from being blown away by the wind and close the shutter.
Prepare for the power and water supply outage, fill up the bathtub with water so thatit can be use in flushing the toilet.
As the heavy rain continues, the water in the river will overflow
and there is a possibility that the river will flood.
In preparation for flood into your home, move important items
such as documents and computers from first floor to the second
floor or to a higher place or bring it with you. Also if possible, move your car or
motorcycle to a high place.
In 2015 flood calamity occurred in Joso City, many people before evacuation, werebeing surrounded by water and were being rescued through helicopters and boats.
In flood calamity, deep water flooding can result in drowning and death. In orderto protect lives, it is very important to think about when and where to evacuate,
prepare things to bring in case of evacuation, and evacuate early.
3. Preparation for Disaster（１）Keep information available in the event of a disasterIf you install in your cellphone the Disaster Prevention Applicationof the Joso City, at the time of disaster you can listen to theinformation in the radio in multiple languages.
The information alarm has 3 levels.
Prepare for evacuation・Evacuation of elderly starts・・・
Prepare to evacuate immediately.
Elderly and those people that will take time to move,
Evacuate immediately.
Evacuation recommendation · · · immediately start for evacuation
Evacuation direction (emergency) · · Emergency evacuation starts
You can check through the city's flood hazard map to know the riskof flood in your home. In SNS, there may be wrong and outdated
information, so get latest information from the municipality or fromthe consulate and act.

QR of disasterprevention
application

Flood hazard map（２）Preparation at home
Have a ready drinks and food good for 3 days and things for disasterprevention at your home. (flashlight, cell phone charger, radio, cassettestove, can opener, lighter, rain gear、gloves、face mask、whistle、towel、
spare clothes、plastic bag, medicines and etc.). Have discussion withthe family about the communication, meeting place and others if in caseof time of disaster.
（３）Build a relationship to help each other in the event of a disasterLet be familiar with neighbors regularly, if you have something you do not understandor you have trouble, you can ask neighbors for help.
It is also important to participate in the community’s disaster prevention drills
and in the “handover” drill in your child’s school.

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（４）Confirmation of the Evacuation Sites
When there is an earthquake or flood, a large number of homes aredamaged, electricity and water are cut off, in those cases where theycannot stay in their home, the place where they will take refuge iscalled an Evacuation Site. Anyone who cannot live at home due to adisaster can go. Aside from getting information from here, you canalso receive food and other support. Since schools are designated as
evacuation sites, check in advance the place of evacuation in your area.
（５）Subscription to insurance
People who own houses and cars should check various damage insurance which repair
expenses will be covered when they suffer damage due to earthquake, flood damage, fireand etc. and subscribe to the necessary insurance. (In 2015 flood disaster, many cars
submerged in the flood and became scrapped cars, but those who subscribed in the car
insurance received money from the insurance companies.)
4. What to do in case of fire“Fire!” shout loudly, tell to neighbors to inform the fire department(telephone no: 119)
Make sure where the fire is, if the flame is small, extinguish it witha fire extinguisher.When the flame is bigger than you, stop extinguishingand evacuate. To avoid inhaling smoke, cover your mouth with a wet towel
and while in bending position, evacuate.
[ Fireman ]Talking on the phone with the Fire Department[ You ]

“Fire Department. Is it a fire? Is it an emergency?”→ Say” There is fire! Come please”“Where is your address?”→
Tell your address and the near building.
“What is burning? “→Tell the place where and what is burning.
“Is there someone hurt?”→
Tell the situation if there is injured person

5. What to do in case of nuclear disaster
There are nuclear power plants and related facilities in Ibaraki Prefecture. When
nuclear disaster occurs, it is important to prevent exposure to radioactive materials.
Confirm the disaster information and when you receive the instruction of "indoor
escape", enter the house, close the window, turn off the air conditioner, ventilator
and etc… People who came from outside must change their clothes and wash their faceand hands. (the clothes that have been changed must be put in a plastic bag).
When "Evacuation Instruction" is issued, please check the target area, starting timeof evacuation and the evacuation destination, and act calmly.
6．Contacts ※if through phone call, tell the contents of the consultation first.
Consultation Content
Place of Consultation
Telephone number
About disaster prevention

Joso City - Disaster Crisis Management
Division （Bousai Kiki Kanri ka）

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0297-23-2111

“Living Guidebook for Foreigners“
Gaikokujin no tameno Seikatsu Gaido Bukku

Issued by: Joso City
Produced by : Certified NPO Ibaraki NPO Center ·COMMONS
Issue date: April 201931