Introduction
The number of foreign nationals staying in Japan remains at a high level of approximately
2. 82 million as of the end of June 2021.
It is expected that the number of foreign residents will continue to increase in the
future.
In order to realize a society in which both Japanese and foreign nationals can live witha sense of security, it is important for Japanese nationals to understand foreign nationals,
as well as it is important for foreign nationals to have accurate and quick access to theinformation on the rules and customs of Japan.
Based on the “Comprehensive Measures for Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign
Nationals,” which was accepted in December 2018 by the “Conference of Relevant Cabinet
Ministers on Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals”, a “Guidebook on Living
and Working” has collected and contained basic necessary information so as to enable
foreign residents to live and work safely and securely in Japan through efforts made jointly
by respective ministries.
This guidebook has been posted with multilingual versions (14 languages) on the “Daily
Life Support Portal Site for Foreign Nationals,” which has been set up on the website of the
Immigration Services Agency. The third edition was revised, and the fourth edition has been
completed here based on new establishment and abolition of schemes with cooperation of
relevant ministries and posted on the “Daily Life Support Portal Site for Foreign Nationals.”
We hope that all the foreign nationals are able to enjoy their life in Japan without
problems by utilizing the information contained in this guidebook.
March 2022
Immigration Services Agency
The following Japanese ministries, agencies, and Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
have contributed to the writing and proofreading of each chapter in this guidebook.
List of Ministries and Agencies
Cabinet Secretariat

Ministry of JusticeCabinet Office

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

National Police Agency

Ministry of Finance

Financial Services Agency

Ministry of Education,
Culture, Sports, Scienceand Technology

Consumer Affairs Agency
Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communication

Ministry of Health, Labourand Welfare

Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries
Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry
Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport
and Tourism
Ministry of theEnvironmentTa b l e o fcontents

Introduction
Chapter 1

1

2

Procedures for Entry/ Residence
Residence Card..........................................................................................................................1
1-1

Issuance of Residence Card..........................................................................................1

1-2

Moving In Notification...................................................................................................2

1-3

Loss of Residence Card.................................................................................................2

1-4

Return of Residence Card.............................................................................................3

Procedures relating to status of residence...........................................................................4
2-1

Extension of period of stay (renewal of period of stay)...........................................4

2-2

Change of status of residence (Change of purpose of residence)........................4

2-3

Permission for permanent residence..........................................................................5

2-4

Permission to acquire status of residence(If you gave birth to a child in Japan)..........................................................................5

2-5Permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the statusof residence previously granted...................................................................................6

2-6

Notification to Regional Immigration Services Bureau............................................6(1) Notification of the accepting organization(2) Notification of the organization of affiliation(3) Notification of relationship with spouse

3

Re-entry Permission (re-enter Japan with currently admitted status ofresidence)..................................................................................................................... 8(1) Special re-entry permission (returning to Japan within 1 year)(2) Re-entry permission (returning to Japan after more than 1 year)
4

5

Procedures for Recognition of Refugee Status....................................................................94-1

Definition of Refugee.....................................................................................................94-2

Application for Recognition of Refugee Status.........................................................9

4-3

Request for Administrative Review.............................................................................9

Deportation Order etc. ......................................................................................................... 10
5-1

Major Grounds for Deportation................................................................................ 10

5-2

If You Are Deported..................................................................................................... 10

5-3

Departure Order System............................................................................................ 10

5-4

Special Permission to Stay in Japan......................................................................... 106Contact for information about Procedures for Immigration and Residence............... 11

7

Information Transmission from Immigration Services Agency...................................... 12

Chapter 21

7-1

Immigration Services Agency Website.................................................................... 12

7-2

Immigration Services Agency SNS, etc.................................................................... 12

Procedures at Municipal Offices
Necessary Notifications........................................................................................................ 13
1-1

Notification of Address............................................................................................... 13(1) If you entered Japan by receiving a new landing permission(2) When you move

1-2

Notification of Marriage............................................................................................. 14(1) Documents Required for a Marriage Registration(2) Validity of marriage in your country

1-3

Notification of Divorce................................................................................................ 15(1) Validity of divorce in your country(2) If you are worried that your divorce notification might be submitted
without your consent

1-4

Notification of Death.................................................................................................. 15(1) Documentation required for notification of death(2) Returning of a Residence Card

1-5

Seal Impression Registration..................................................................................... 16(1) Procedures for seal impression registration(2) Certificate of a Registered Seal

2

My Number System............................................................................................................... 17
2-1

About My Number System........................................................................................ 17

2-2

My Number Card (Individual Number Card).......................................................... 17(1) Contents(2) When to use(3) How to apply for a My Number Card
(4) How to receive your My Number Card

2-3

Notes about handling My Number Cards (Individual Number Card)................ 19

2-4

Other matters............................................................................................................... 19

Chapter 3

1

Employment/Working
Basic knowledge before starting work............................................................................... 20
1-1

Status of Residence.................................................................................................... 20

1-2

Forms of employment................................................................................................ 20(1) Dispatched workers (dispatched employees)(2) Contract employees (employees with fixed-term employment contracts)(3) Part-time workers(4) A person who works upon entering into a subcontracting agreement/
contract

1-3

Labour contract........................................................................................................... 22(1) Range of meaning of the term “worker”(2) Specification of working conditions

1-4

Wages............................................................................................................................ 24(1) Minimum Wage
(2) About the Minimum Wage
(3) Leave allowance2

Rules for working.................................................................................................................... 25
2-1

Payment of wages....................................................................................................... 25

2-2

Working hours, rest periods, rest days.................................................................... 25(1) Working hours(2) Rest periods(3) Rest days(4) Obligation of making decisions on working conditions regarding
dispatched workers

2-3

Overtime work and work on holidays...................................................................... 27(1) Overtime work, and work on holidays(2) Premium

2-4Maternity health care, maternity leave, childcare leave / family care leave,
etc.................................................................................................................................. 28(1) In case of pregnancy(2) Maternity leave(3) Childcare leave(4) Family care leave

2-5

Resignation / Dismissal.............................................................................................. 30(1) Resignation(2) Dismissal(3) Bankruptcy of the company(4) Employment Insurance (Basic allowance)(5) Job Hunting Activities

3

Health and security................................................................................................................ 34
3-1

Healthy and safety working environment............................................................... 34(1) Contents of the Industrial Safety and Health Act(2) Health checkups, etc.
(3) Face-to-face guidance by physicians

3-2Compensation for injuries or illnesses due to work (Industrial Accident
Compensation Insurance).......................................................................................... 36(1) Procedure for applying for the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance(2) Other reminders

3-3

Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex................................................... 37(1) While seeking employment(2) After employment

4

3-4Harassment prevention measures........................................................................... 38

3-5

Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign Workers........................... 38

Social Insurance and Labour Insurance.............................................................................. 39
4-1

Health insurance / National health insurance........................................................ 39

4-2

National pension / employees’ pension insurance................................................ 39

4-3

Long-term care insurance.......................................................................................... 39

4-4

Employment insurance.............................................................................................. 40(1) Persons eligible for employment insurance(2) Payment of premiums

4-5
Chapter 4

1

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance........................................................ 40

Childbirth and Parenting
Procedures Related to Pregnancy....................................................................................... 41
1-1

Notification of pregnancy and issuance of a maternal and child healthhandbook (boshi kenko techo)................................................................................. 41

1-2

Prenatal health checkups........................................................................................... 41

1-3

Home visits by a public health nurse, midwife, or other healthcare
professional.................................................................................................................. 42

1-4
2

Parental classes (for mothers and fathers)............................................................. 42

Procedures after Birth........................................................................................................... 43
2-1

Notification of birth..................................................................................................... 43(1) Documents required for notification of birth(2) Other procedures

2-2
3

Notification of the childbirth to home countries................................................... 43Childbirth Expenses and Allowances.................................................................................. 44
3-1

Lump-sum allowance for childbirth......................................................................... 44

3-2Childbirth allowance................................................................................................... 44

3-3Childcare leave benefits............................................................................................. 45(1) Provision during childcare leave(2) In the case of a temporary worker (employee with a fixed-term contract)

3-4Child allowance............................................................................................................ 46(1) Eligibility(2) How to receive the child allowance(3) Amount(4) Payment timing

4

Parenting................................................................................................................................. 47
4-1

Checkup of infants...................................................................................................... 47

4-2

Vaccinations................................................................................................................. 47

4-3

Medical expenses for children.................................................................................. 47

4-4

Facilities for preschool-aged children...................................................................... 47(1) Day care center (Hoikujo)(2) Kindergarten (Yochien)(3) Center for Early Childhood Education and Care (Nintei Kodomoen)

Chapter 5

1

2

3

4-5

After-school Children’s club (Hokagojido-club).................................................... 49

4-6

Family Support Center............................................................................................... 49

Education
Education system in Japan................................................................................................... 50
1-1

Elementary and junior high school........................................................................... 51

1-2

High school................................................................................................................... 51

1-3

Schools for foreign students...................................................................................... 51

1-4

Evening Class at Public Junior High School............................................................ 52

1-5

Lower Secondary School Equivalency Examination.............................................. 52

1-6

Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination.............................................. 52

1-7

Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).................................... 53

1-8

Entrance exam to higher educational institutes.................................................... 54

Financial support for the education costs......................................................................... 55
2-1

Financial support for elementary and junior high students................................. 55

2-2High School Tuition Support Fund............................................................................ 55

2-3High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund......................................................... 56

2-4

Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students................................ 56

Learning Japanese................................................................................................................. 57
3-1

About the Japanese language................................................................................... 57

3-2

Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education................................... 57

3-3

Where to learn............................................................................................................. 58(1) Japanese language school(2) Japanese classes in local communities(3) Online classes, distance learning

3-4

Website for Japanese learners: “Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese”(known as Tsunahiro).................................................................................................. 59

Chapter 612

Medical Services
Medical institutions................................................................................................................ 60
1-1

Types of medical institutions..................................................................................... 60

1-2

How to find medical institution................................................................................. 61

Medical Insurance.................................................................................................................. 62
2-1

Health Insurance.......................................................................................................... 62(1) Enrollment Requirements(2) Insurance premiums(3) Benefits

2-2

National Health Insurance......................................................................................... 64(1) Enrollment requirements(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application(3) Insurance premiums(4) Benefits

2-3

Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter Stage of Life................................ 67(1) Enrollment Requirements(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application(3) Insurance Premiums(4) Benefits

3

Chapter 7

1

Medicine.................................................................................................................................. 69
3-1

Pharmacies................................................................................................................... 69

3-2

Drugstores.................................................................................................................... 69

Pension and Welfare
Pension..................................................................................................................................... 70
1-1

National Pension.......................................................................................................... 71(1) How to enroll the system(2) Contributions(3) Benefits

1-2

Employees’ Pension Insurance system.................................................................... 73(1) Eligible members(2) Contributions(3) Benefits

1-3
2

3

4

5

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments........................................................................... 76

Long-Term Care Insurance................................................................................................... 78
2-1

Eligibility........................................................................................................................ 78

2-2

Premiums...................................................................................................................... 78

2-3

Long-Term Care service.............................................................................................. 78

Child Welfare........................................................................................................................... 79
3-1

Child Allowance........................................................................................................... 79

3-2Child Rearing allowance............................................................................................. 79

3-3

Special Child Rearing Allowance (for parents of children with disabilities)...... 80

3-4

Severe Disability Premium......................................................................................... 80

Welfare for persons with disabilities................................................................................... 81
4-1

Certification for Persons with Disabilities............................................................... 81

4-2

Public services for persons and children with disabilities.................................... 81

Public Assistance.................................................................................................................... 82
5-1

Requirements for Public Assistance........................................................................ 82(1) Utilizing Assets(2) Utilizing Skills(3) Other Allowances(4) Support from family members

5-2
6
Chapter 8

1

Types of assistance..................................................................................................... 83

Services to promote independence for needy persons................................................... 84

Tax
Individual Income Tax............................................................................................................ 85
1-1

Taxpayer and scope of personal taxable income................................................... 86(1) Residents(2) Non-Permanent Residents(3) Non-Residents

1-2

Filing a tax return and payment................................................................................ 87(1) Persons who need to file a tax return(2) Persons who are eligible for a tax refund by filing a tax return(3) When to file a tax return and pay tax(4) When you leave Japan

1-3

Major tax deductions.................................................................................................. 88(1) If you give economic support to your family;(2) If you are married;(3) If you pay social insurance;(4) If you pay life insurance premiums; or(5) If you have spent a significant amount of medical expenses;

2

1-4

Withholding and year-end adjustment................................................................... 89

1-5

Special cases by Income Tax Convention................................................................ 89

Individual Inhabitant Taxes................................................................................................... 90
2-1

Definition of Individual Inhabitant Taxes................................................................. 90

2-2

How to pay the Individual Inhabitant Taxes............................................................ 90

2-3

Miscellaneous.............................................................................................................. 90

3Consumption Tax................................................................................................................... 91

4

Tax on your automobile......................................................................................................... 91
4-1

Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax.............................................................. 91(1) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax with an environmental
performance-based tax reduction(2) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax and tax reduction according toengine size

4-2

Vehicle Weight Tax...................................................................................................... 92

5

Property Tax............................................................................................................................ 92

6

Inquiries about tax................................................................................................................. 92
6-1

National Taxes.............................................................................................................. 92(1) By Telephone (Call center)(2) Tax Answers (FAQ on taxes)(3) National Tax Agency website

6-2
Chapter 91Inquiries on Local Tax................................................................................................. 93

Traffic
Traffic rules.............................................................................................................................. 94
1-1

Safety guidelines for pedestrians............................................................................. 94(1) Walking on roads and sidewalk(2) Rules for crossing the street(3) Walking at night

1-2

Safety guidelines for cyclists..................................................................................... 95(1) Five rules to follow to ensure safety when riding a bicycle(2) Using intersections

1-3

Safety guidelines for drivers (automobiles and motorcycles)............................. 97

2

3

Driver’s license........................................................................................................................ 98
2-1

How to get a Japanese driver’s license.................................................................... 98

2-2

How to renew a Japanese driver’s license............................................................... 99

2-3

Penalty point system.................................................................................................. 99

Ownership of motor vehicles (including motorcycles) ................................................... 99
3-1

Motor vehicle registration.......................................................................................... 99(1) When to register and types of registration(2) Where to register

3-2

Parking Space Certificate......................................................................................... 100

3-3

Vehicle Safety Inspection (including some types of motorcycles)................... 101

3-4

Car Insurance............................................................................................................. 102(1) Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)(2) Voluntary Insurance

4

Chapter 10

1

2

Responding to a Traffic Accident....................................................................................... 103
4-1

Stop driving................................................................................................................ 103

4-2

Emergency calls to the police and an ambulance............................................... 103

4-3

Doctor’s diagnosis..................................................................................................... 103

4-4

Application for a Traffic Accident Certificate........................................................ 103

Emergencies and Disasters
Emergency call..................................................................................................................... 104
1-1

Medical emergencies, injuries, fires, etc. (119) .................................................. 104

1-2

Traffic accidents and crimes (110)......................................................................... 105

Natural Disasters.................................................................................................................. 106
2-1

Tropical cyclones and intense heavy rain.............................................................. 106(1) Flooding of rivers(2) Landslide (Mud flows)32-2

Earthquakes............................................................................................................... 107

2-3

Tsunami....................................................................................................................... 109

2-4

Volcanic Eruption...................................................................................................... 110

Evacuation............................................................................................................................. 111
3-1

Evacuation shelters................................................................................................... 111

3-2

Evacuation information provided........................................................................... 111

3-3

How to evacuate........................................................................................................ 113

3-4

Useful Disaster Weather information.................................................................... 115

Chapter 11

12

Chapter 121

Housing
Japanese Housing................................................................................................................ 117
1-1

Privately Owned Housing......................................................................................... 117

1-2

Public housing............................................................................................................ 117

1-3

UR Rental Housing.................................................................................................... 117

1-4

Private Rental Housing............................................................................................. 117

Moving-in.............................................................................................................................. 118
2-1

Public housing............................................................................................................ 118

2-2

UR Rental Housing.................................................................................................... 118

2-3

Private Rental Housing............................................................................................. 118

Daily rules and customs
Life rules................................................................................................................................. 121
1-1

Garbage....................................................................................................................... 121(1) Basic rules for garbage disposal(2) Illegal dumping

2

3

1-2

Making Noise............................................................................................................. 123

1-3

Restroom.................................................................................................................... 123

1-4

Mobile phone use...................................................................................................... 123

1-5

On a bus or train........................................................................................................ 123

1-6

Hot springs and bathhouses.................................................................................... 124

1-7

Prohibition signs........................................................................................................ 124

Prevention of infectious diseases...................................................................................... 125
2-1

Hand washing............................................................................................................. 125

2-2

Coughing manners.................................................................................................... 126

2-3

Humidity..................................................................................................................... 126

2-4

Rest and nutrition...................................................................................................... 126

2-5

Going out.................................................................................................................... 126

Lifestyle necessities............................................................................................................. 127
3-1

Community life........................................................................................................... 127(1) Community groups (Residents’ association and neighborhood association)(2) Relationship with your neighbors

3-2

Crime Prevention....................................................................................................... 127

3-3

Utility services............................................................................................................ 128(1) Electricity(2) Gas(3) Water

3-4

Mobile phones........................................................................................................... 130(1) Mobile phone contract(2) Warnings for using services for mobile phone contracts

3-5Bank Account............................................................................................................. 131(1) How to open a bank account(2) Notify your bank immediately of any change in your address or period ofstay(3) How to close a bank account

3-6
4

Post Office.................................................................................................................. 132

Public Transportation........................................................................................................... 133
4-1

IC Cards issued by railway companies................................................................... 133(1) General functions(2) Registered card(3) Non-registered card
(4) Deposit

4-2

Trains............................................................................................................................ 134(1) How to get on a train(2) Types of ticket(3) Other tickets

4-3

Bus............................................................................................................................... 135(1) Traveling long distances (Long-distance buses)(2) To move in and around the city (Local buses)

Chapter 2

Residence Card
A residence card is an ID for foreign residents in Japan. It shows your identification information,

Chapter 3

1

Chapter 1

Procedures for
Entry/ Residence

Chapter 1

period of stay, your status of residence, and so on.
		A Person who is 16 years and over need to carry

his / her residence card at all times.
		

It can be used as an ID when you carry out anofficial procedure at local government or enter into
a contract.

called mid-to-long-term resident.)

A person granted permission to stay for three months or lessii.		

A person granted “Temporary Visitor” status of residenceiii.		A persons granted “Diplomat” or “Official” status of residenceiv.		

A staff members of the Japanese office of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (Taipei

Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, etc.), or Permanent General Mission ofv.		

A special permanent residentvi.		

A person with no statuses of residence

Issuance of Residence Cardi		

When a new landing permit is given at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport,

Kansai Airport, New Chitose Airport, Hiroshima Airport, and Fukuoka Airport➡		A residence card is issued at the airport.

1

Chapter 12

A residence card is mainly issued at the following time

Chapter 11

1-1

Chapter 10

Palestine in Japan who has “Designated Activities” status of residence, and his / her families

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8

Six cases in which residence card is not issued

Chapter 7

A residence cards is issued to a person who stay in Japan over three months. (The person is

Chapter 6

A Person to Whom Residence Card Is Issued

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residenceii		When a new landing permit is given at an airport or a port not mentioned above
Please submit a moving-in notification to the municipal office where you live. Afterthat your Residence Card will be delivered to your house by mail.
iii		

When you receive permission for extension of the period of stay
Please apply for extension of period of stay (cf. 2-1) at the Regional Immigration

Services Bureau (including district offices and branch offices of the regional immigration
services bureau; the same shall apply hereinafter) before your period of stay expires. A
iv		

When you receive permission for change of the status of residence➡		

If you need to change your status of residence, please apply for change of status ofwill be issued if your application is permitted.
v		

When you receive permission for acquisition of status of residence
If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality, and wishes to continue to stayin Japan beyond 60 days after he or she is born, it is necessary to apply for acquisition of
his/her status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 30 daysis permitted.

Moving In Notification
A person who has had been issued a Residence Card need to register his / her address /determined.
To file the notification, either a Residence Card or passport is needed.

Loss of Residence Card
You need to apply for reissuance of a residence card at the Regional Immigration Services

Bureau within 14 days of the day when the loss is known.

Chapter 11

Necessary Documents		Passport•		

A photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, taken within the last three months. You don’t needto submit a photograph if you are under 16.)
		 Documentation that proves reasons for loss of the Residence Card (Certificate of Lost
Property Report, Report of Theft, Disaster Victim Notification, etc.)•		

An application for reissuance of a Residence Card

See the following URL for details:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00010.html

2

Chapter 12••

Chapter 10

1-3

Chapter 9

See: Chapter 2-1, 1-1

Chapter 8

place of residence (file moving-in notification) within 14 days after his / her residence has been

Chapter 7

1-2

Chapter 6

from the date of birth (cf. 2-4). A new residence card will be issued if his/her application

Chapter 5➡		Chapter 4

residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (cf. 2-2). A new residence card

Chapter 3

new residence card will be issued if your application is permitted.

Chapter 2➡		Chapter 1➡		1Procedures for Entry/ Residence

1-4

Return of Residence Card•		

(leaving Japan after finishing your activities)

Please return your residence card to an Immigration officer at an airport or seaport when

you leave Japan.
		When a family member or someone you live with died•		 If you left Japan with re-entry permit but did not return toChapter 3•

Chapter 2

Departure

Chapter 1

You need to return your residence card in the following circumstances:

Japan within the validity period of the permit		When you were naturalized as a Japanese citizen

In the cases above, please return your residence card•		Bring the residence card to the nearest Regional

Immigration Services Bureau.
		Send the residence card by mailTo:

Odaiba Branch Office, the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

within 14 days by one of the following methods.

Chapter 4•

Tokyo Port Joint Government Building 9F, 2-7-11 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00020.html

Chapter 8

see the following URL for details:

Chapter 7(Please write “Return of the Residence Card” on the front of the envelope)

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1231Procedures for Entry/ Residence

Extension of period of stay (renewal of period of stay)

period of stay, you need to apply for an extension of period of stay at a
Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 4

Necessary Documents		Passport•		

Residence Card (if you have been issued one already)•		

A photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for persons

under the age of 16.)
An application form for extension of period of stayhttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3-1.html
		Documentation that specifies your planned activities in Japan etc.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/shin_zairyu_koshin10_01.html

If you want to change your purpose of residence, you need to apply forchange of status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 10

Necessary Documents		Passport•		

Residence Card (If you have been issued one already)•		

A photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for persons

under the age of 16)
An application form for change of status of residence

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2-1.html•

		Documentation that specifies your planned activities in Japan etc.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_henko10.html

4Chapter 12		Chapter 11••

Chapter 9

Change of status of residence (Change of purpose ofresidence)

Chapter 82-2

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

		Chapter 5••

Chapter 3

If you wishto continue to stay in Japan beyond your currently authorized

Chapter 2

2-1

Procedures relating to status ofresidence

Chapter 12

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

2-3

Permission for permanent residence

permanent residence is granted, you can engage in any activity in Japan and stay in Japan as
extend your period of stay or change your status of residence.

•		

Chapter 3

Necessary Documents
Passport		

Residence Card•		

A photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for thoseunder 16 years old)		An application form for Permanent Residence•		

Other necessary documents

See the following URL for details:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-4.html

Chapter 6
Chapter 7

Permission to acquire status of residence (If you
gave birth to a child in Japan)

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•2-4Chapter 2long as you like without any restrictions. Furthermore, you do not have to carry out procedures to

Chapter 1

Those who wish to reside permanently in Japan need to apply for permanent residence. If

If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality, and wishes to continue to stay in Japanstatus of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 30 days from the date ofbirth.
other documents (see the following for details) are required, please register a birth at an office of municipality before
applying for acquisition of a status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 10

See: Chapter 4 2-1 Registration of a birth.

Necessary Documents		Passport (if one has been issued already)•		

An application form for permission to acquire status of residence

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-10.html
municipality) or other documents that proof birth•		

Documentation that specifies the child’s planned activity in Japan

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_henko10.html•

		 A copy of your Certificate of Residence or Certificate of entry items in
Resident Register (You can get it at office of municipality)

5

Chapter 12

		 Certificate of entry items in birth notification (It is available at office ofChapter 11••

Chapter 9*		 As a birth certificate (Shussei todoke kisai jikou shoumeisho, or “Certificate of Entry items in Birth Notification”) and

Chapter 8

beyond 60 days after he or she is born, it is necessary to apply for permission to acquire his/her

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

If you wish to work with a status of residence that does not permit you to work (statuspermitted under the status of residence previously granted, you need to apply for permission to
engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted
permitted under your status of residence.)

Necessary Documents
		

Chapter 4•

Passport		

Residence Card•		An Application form for permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under

the status of residence previously granted		

Documents to certify the activity by which you intend to earn income or receive remuneration

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-8.html

Notification to Regional Immigration Services Bureau
If you have one of the statuses of residence below, and if something changes regarding theof that change.

Professor, Highly-Skilled Professional (i)(c), Highly-Skilled

requiring

Professional(ii) (limited to cases of engaging in the activities listed

notificationsin (ii) (c)), Business Manager, Legal/ Accounting Services, Medical
Services, Instructor, Intra-company Transferee, Technical Intern

Items to be notified

Change of the name of the accepting organization•

Change of the location of the accepting organization•

Extinguishment of the accepting organization•

Left from the accepting organization•

Transfer from the accepting organization

You are required to notify within 14 days.

See the following URL for details:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00014.html

6Chapter 12

Notification period•

Chapter 11

Training, Student or Trainee

Chapter 10

Status of Residence

Chapter 9(1) Notification of the accepting organization

Chapter 8organization you are affiliated with, you need to notify the Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Chapter 7

2-6

Chapter 6

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 5••

Chapter 3

at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau. (See Chapter 3-1 1-1 to confirm which activities are

Chapter 2of residence of “Student”, “Dependent” and so on), or to engage in activities other than those

Chapter 1

Permission to engage in activities other than thosepermitted under the status of residence previously granted

2-5

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residence(2) Notification of the organization of affiliation

requiringHighly Skilled Professional (ii) (limited to cases of engaging in the

notifications

activities listed in (ii)(a) or (b)), Researcher, Engineer/Specialist in
Humanities/International Services, Nursing Care, Entertainer (limited
to cases of engaging in activities based on a contract with a public or

Chapter 2

Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b),

Chapter 1

Status of residence

private organization in Japan), Skilled Labour, Specified Skilled Worker
Change of the name of the organization of affiliation•

Change of the location of the organization of affiliation•

Extinguishment of the organization of affiliation•

Termination of the contract with the organization of affiliation•

Conclusion of a contract with a new organization of affiliation

See the following URL for details:(3) Notification of relationship with spouse
Dependent, Spouse of Japanese National, Spouse of Permanent

requiring

Resident

Chapter 7

Status of residence

Chapter 6https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00015.html

Chapter 5

You are required to notify within 14 days.

Chapter 4

Notification Period•

Chapter 3

Items to be notified

notifications
Divorce your spouse•

Bereavement of your spouse

You are required to notify within 14 days.

See the following URL for details:

Electronic notification by internet is possible for these notifications.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/materials/i-ens_index.html

Chapter 11

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 10

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00016.html

Chapter 9

Notification Period•

Chapter 8

Items to be notified

Chapter 1271Procedures for Entry/ Residence

Foreign nationals who are expected to contribute to the economic growth of Japan due to being highly
skilled or talented are preferentially treated with regard to their activities and period of stay.
background,” “business career”, “age” and so on. Foreign nationals who apply for this system at Regional
Immigration Services Bureaus, and if they get 70 points or more in total, are admitted as “Highly-Skilled•		Permission for multiple activities•

		

Grant of the longest period of stay of 5 years•

		

Relaxation of requirements for grant of the permission for permanent residence concerning theChapter 4

period of stay in Japan and so on
See the following URL for details:

period, he/she can re-enter Japan with his/her currently authorized status of residence and periodof stay unchanged by using a re-entry permit.

Chapter 9(1) Special re-entry permission (returning to Japan within 1 year)

Chapter 8

If a foreign national in Japan wishes to temporarily leave and return to Japan within authorized

Chapter 7

currently admitted status of residence)

Chapter 6

Re-entry Permission (re-enter Japan with

Chapter 5

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/materials/newimmiact_3_index.html

3

Chapter 3

Professional”. They are given following preferential treatment.

Chapter 2

This is a points-based system where foreign nationals are evaluated based on their “educational

Chapter 1

Points-based preferential immigration control and residency management
treatment for highly-skilled foreign professionals

If the foreign nationals return to Japan within 1 year (or until the date of expiration of period
permission procedure at Regional Immigration Services Bureau will be exempted as long as they
have Residence Card and valid Passport.

nearby, they can re-enter into Japan with their currently admitted status of residence and periodof stay (up to a maximum of 5 years. Or up to the date of expiration when the date of expiration
comes earlier than 5 years).
See the following URL for details:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-5.html

8Chapter 12

If the foreign nationals apply for a re-entry permit at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau

Chapter 11(2) Re-entry permission (returning to Japan after more than 1 year)

Chapter 10of stay when the date of expiration comes earlier than 1 year from the date of departure), re-entry

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

Procedures for Recognition of Refugee
StatusRelating to the Status of Refugees, we recognize refugee status and take various protective
measures for refugees defined by the Convention, etc.

Definition of Refugeeof Refugees and the Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees applies. A refugee is defined asfollows:
		A person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,

nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the countryof his/her nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself/herself of•		Application for Recognition of Refugee Status
Application for recognition of refugee status is a system for those who have fled their homecountries (See: 4-1) and seek protection from Japan. A foreign national residing in Japan can
Certificate of Refugee Status, and is granted a residence status of “Long Term Resident” etc.
•		

A foreign national who has been recognized as a refugee, based on his/her application, will•		

A foreign national recognized as a refugee and his/ her family can benefit from the Settlement

Support System, which includes Japanese language education, guidance for living in Japan andRequest for Administrative Review
A foreign national who has an objection to a disposition denying recognition of refugee status

may submit a request to the Minister of Justice for an administrative review.
the opinions of the refugee examination counselors who have an academic background in law orinternational affairs.
See the following URL for details:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/guide/nanmin_tetuduki.html

9Chapter 12

When the Minister of Justice makes a determination on the request, the Minister must hear

Chapter 11

4-3

Chapter 10

job placement.

Chapter 9receive a refugee travel document in place of a passport.

Chapter 8

apply for this status. A foreign national, when he / she is recognized as a refugee, is issued a

Chapter 7

4-2

Chapter 6

the protection of that country.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

The term “Refugee” refers to those to whom Article 1 of the Convention Relating to the Status

Chapter 3

4-1

Chapter 2

As Japan is a member of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol

Chapter 1

41

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

5-1

Major Grounds for Deportation•

		Remaining in Japan after the period of stay (Please note that even a stay for just one day•

		 Engaging activity that is not permitted under your status of residence, and receiving
remuneration without permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted under

Chapter 3

beyond your authorized period constitutes overstaying and subjects you to deportation.)

Chapter 2

Deportation Order etc.

Chapter 1

5

the status of residence previously granted		

If You Are Deported
If you are deported, basically you will not be allowed to enter Japan for five or 10 years. If you

Chapter 55-2

Receiving a certain criminal punishment

Chapter 4•

are deported due to receiving a certain criminal punishment or some other particular grounds,

Departure Order System
If all of the following requirements are met, an overstayer will be allowed to leave Japanthrough simple procedures without being detained.
enter Japan for one year.

Those subject to the departure order system need to fulfill the following requirements.
•

		He/she must voluntarily appear at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau with intention to•		 He/she is not subject to deportation for any cause other than overstaying his or her
authorized period of stay.
		He/she has not been punished by imprisonment with or without workfor certain crimes such as theft.
		He/she has never been deported in the past.

•		He/she has never left Japan due to a departure order in the past.

•		It seems certain that he/she will leave Japan immediately.

5-4

Special Permission to Stay in Japan
Even when deportation procedures are taken, special permission to stay in Japan may be

granted by the Minister of Justice in consideration of the situation for which the foreign national
has settled down in Japan, his/her family situation, etc.

10Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

leave Japan.

Chapter 9

Requirements for the Departure Order System

Chapter 8

When you leave Japan due to the departure order system, you basically will not be allowed to

Chapter 7

5-3

Chapter 6

you will not be allowed to enter Japan anymore.

1

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

Contact for information about Proceduresfor Immigration and Residence

5-5-30 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo 1088255

Tokyo Regional Immigration
Services Bureau
Yotsuya Branch Government
Building

Yotsuya Tower 14F, 1-6-1, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1600004

3-5-25 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 8100073

TEL 092-717-5420

1-15-15 Higawa, Naha-shi, Okinawa 9000022
1766-1 Kuno-cho, Ushiku-shi, Ibaraki 3001288

TEL 098-832-4185
TEL 029-875-1291

644-3 Kogashima-machi, Omura-shi, Nagasaki 8560817

TEL 0957-52-2121

TEL 072-455-1453
TEL 078-391-6377
TEL 082-221-4411
TEL 087-822-5852

Foreign Residents Support
CenterYotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1600004

TEL 0570-011000
IP/from overseas
03-5363-3013

Regional Immigration Services Bureaus in Sendai, Tokyo,
Yokohama(branch), Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe(branch), Hiroshima,and Fukuoka
Sapporo, Takamatsu, and Naha(branch)

TEL 0570-013904(IP, PHS, fromoverseas03-5796-7112)

Information Center
Foreign Resident General
Information Center
Counselors are in:

11

Chapter 12

Foreign Residents Support Center

Chapter 11

TEL 0569-38-7410
TEL 06-4703-2100

Chapter 10

1-1 CIQ bldg. CENTRAIR Tokoname-shi, Aichi 4790881
1-29-53 Minami-kohoku, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
559-0034
Senshukukonaka 1, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 5490011
29 Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 6500024
2-31 Kamihatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
730-0012
1-1 Marunouchi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa 7600033

TEL 0476-34-2222
Management andInspection
Division
0476-34-2211
2-6-4 CIQ bldg. Haneda Airport Ota-ku Tokyo 1440041
TEL 03-5708-3202
10-7 Torihama-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama Kanagawa 236- TEL0570-045259
0002
IP/from overseas
045-769-1729
5-18 Shoho-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 2360002
TEL 052-559-2150

Chapter 9

TEL 03-5363-3039

Chapter 8

Information
Processing
Department
1-1 Narita International Airport Second Terminal bldg.6th
floor Aza-Furugome, Furugome Narita-shi Chiba 282-0004

Chapter 7

Nagoya Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Chubu Airport Branch
Osaka Regional Immigration
Services Bureau
Kansai Airport Branch
Kobe Branch
Hiroshima Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Takamatsu Reginal Office of
Immigration and ResidenceControlFukuoka Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Naha Branch
Higashi Nihon Immigration
CenterOmura Immigration Center

TEL 03-5363-3030

Chapter 6

Haneda Airport Branch
Yokohama Branch

Notification of change in activity, contract, or
marital status;
notification from the organization ofaffiliation:
Online residence application procedures:Management of inspection records:

Chapter 5

Narita Airport Branch

Registration
Department

TEL 022-256-6076
IP/ from overseas
03-5796-7234
TEL 0570-034259
IP/from overseas
03-5796-7234
TEL 0570-011000(select number 8)
IP/from overseas
03-5363-3013
TEL 03-5363-3032

Chapter 4

Tokyo Regional Immigration
Services Bureau

TEL 011-261-7502

Chapter 3

Sapporo Regional
12-chome Odori-nishi Chuo-ku Sapporo shi 060-0042
Immigration Services Bureau
Sendai Regional Immigration 1-3-21 Gorin Miyagino-ku Sendai-shi 983-0842
Services Bureau

Chapter 2

Regional offices of Immigration and Residence Control

Chapter 1

61

Procedures for Entry/ Residence

7-1

Immigration Services Agency Website

immigration and residence, etc. The information is given in 14 languages in addition to Japanese.

Chapter 4

Immigration Services Agency website:

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/index.html

Immigration Services Agency SNS, etc.

new systems and transmit information that would be useful for everyday life of foreign residents.

Chapter 6

The Immigrations Services Agency opened various types of SNS, etc. to provide guidance on

Chapter 5

7-2

Chapter 3

The Immigration Services Agency website provides guidance on the procedures for

Chapter 2

Information Transmission from
Immigration Services Agency

Chapter 1

7

Twitter account of Immigration Services Agency:
Chapter 7

https://twitter.com/MOJ_IMMI

https://www.facebook.com/ImmigrationServicesAgency.MOJ/

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/about/pr/mail-service.html

through their Twitter accounts.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/about/pr/index.html

Chapter 11

List of Twitter accounts of Regional Immigration Services Bureau:

Chapter 10

Regional Immigration Services Bureau also provide information on their congestion status

Chapter 9

Email distribution service:

Chapter 8

Facebook account of Immigration Services Agency:

Chapter 1212Notification of Address
The following foreign nationals are required to notify the municipal office of their address.

		Foreign nationals who possess Residence Cards (Mid-to- long-term residents)•		Special Permanent Residents•		Foreign nationals who have been granted permission for temporary refuge or provisional

stay
•

		

Foreign nationals who may continue to stay in Japan temporarily due to their birth, or losing(1) If you entered Japan by receiving a new landing permission
		You need to file a moving-in notification with your municipal office within 14 days after you

settled into a new address.
•		Your Residence Card (or passport, if your Residence Card is to be issued later) is necessary		If you live in Japan with your family, you need a document that proves your family relationshipby showing official documents such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate.
		Process after moving-in notification is following;i.		

When you file a moving-in notification, your address is registered on your Residenceii.		

Your Certificate of Residence is made.
		

Your name, date of birth, sex and address are recorded on it.

•		Copies of your Certificate of Residence are available to certify your residential

status (for a charge).
iii.		Your municipal office notifies you your “My Number.”*My Number: A 12-digit number that identifies you for the purposes of procedures of social security, tax
and disaster responce.

See 2: My Number Systemiv.		

If you haven't applied for My Number Card, you can apply with the application form

which is attached to the notification of your “My Number.”

13

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Card at the same time.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

for the notification.
•

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

their Japanese nationality

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

Foreign nationals who need to notify

Chapter 4

1-1

Chapter 3

Necessary Notifications

Chapter 2

1

Chapter 1

Procedures at
Municipal Offices

Chapter 2

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices(2) When you move
When you move to another municipality•

Before moving

Chapter 1i.		

→ You need to file a moving-out notification with the•After moving→ You need to file a moving-in notification with the municipal office where youii.		

When you change your address inside the same municipality		You need to file a change of address notification to the municipal office where you resideiii.		

When you move to a foreign country		

You need to file a moving-out notification to the municipal office where you reside before

Chapter 5

you move.
See the following URL for details:

When you marry in Japan		You need to file your marriage notification to the municipal office.

•		When it is acknowledged that you satisfy the requirements for marriage and your notification

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

Notification of Marriage

Chapter 6https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu/english/
move-in_move-out.html

1-2

Chapter 4

within 14 days after you move.

Chapter 3

reside within 14 days

Chapter 2municipal office where you lived

is accepted, your marriage comes into effect.

A transcript of the family register

Foreign Nationals•		

A certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage*		A certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage is obtained at your embassy•

		

If you submit documents written in a foreign language, suchas a certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage, a Japanese(note 1)

Some countries do not issue this certification. If so, you are required to submit an alternative document.

(note 2)The name of the translator has to be recorded in the translation. The applier himself/herself can be the translator.

(2) Validity of marriage in your country
Marriages that are contracted in Japan are valid in Japan, however, are not necessarily valid
in your country. You should inquire regarding its validity at the embassy/ (general) consulate inJapan of your native country.

14

Chapter 12translation must be attached to all of such documents.(note 2)

Chapter 11or (general) consulate in Japan.(note 1)

Chapter 10

Japanese

Chapter 9(1) Documents Required for a Marriage Registration

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

1-3

Notification of Divorce
Chapter 1

When you divorce in Japan		

If both people who are going to divorce have agreed on the divorce, you need to file yourdivorce notification to the municipal office.
•		

Requirements differ depending on a place where you live or your nationality, and therefore,•		When your spouse has not agreed on the divorce, the procedure for divorce by arbitrationor judicial divorce will be taken at the Family Court.

Divorces that are contracted in Japan are valid in Japan, however, are not necessarily valid inof your native country.

without your consent, you can prevent your divorce from being contracted by visiting the municipal
office of either your spouse’s (Japanese national) permanent address or your present address andChapter 7

If you are worried that your spouse (Japanese national) might submit your divorce notification

Chapter 6(2) If you are worried that your divorce notification might besubmitted without your consent

Chapter 5

your country. You should inquire regarding its validity at the embassy/(general) consulate in Japan

Chapter 4(1) Validity of divorce in your country

Chapter 3

you should inquire at the municipal office for details.

Chapter 2•

submitting an appeal for rejection of divorce notification.

Notification of Death		

Relatives, cohabitants, etc., must nortify the death.

•		The nortification has to be done within seven days after the date that the death became

known.
•

		You can nortify a death to the office of the municipal office where the foreign national died,(1) Documentation required for notification of death		A death certificate or a postmortem certificate•

		

As for other required documents, please inquire at the municipal office where you file thenotification of death.

15

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

or where your address is located.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

When a foreign national dies in Japan

Chapter 8

1-4

2Procedures at Municipal Offices(2) Returning of a Residence Card•		

Bring the card to a Regional Immigration Services Bureau nearby.

•		

Send the card to the Odaiba office of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Koto-ku, Tokyo 1350064
envelope.)

Seal Impression Registration•

		

The procedure that registers a seal (a hanko) at the municipal office is→ 	You may be asked to submit the certificate of a registered seal in several important

occasions such as the contract of real estate.

		An application form for a seal impression registration•

		

A seal (a hanko) to be registered•		

An identification document of the person such as My Number Card, Residence Card, Driving

License, etc.
*		 After the registration, a Certificate of a Registered Seal is issued.

(2) Certificate of a Registered Seal		This is a document that certifies the seal registered at your municipal office.
→ 	For application for the certification, you need to show your seal registration card at themunicipal office.
		In some municipalities, it is possible to receive the certificate at some convenience stores byusing your My Number Card.

16

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10*		 As for the details of the procedures, please ask the municipal office.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

Documentation required for Seal Impression Registration

Chapter 7(1) Procedures for seal impression registration

Chapter 6

called a seal impression registration.

Chapter 5

About Seal Impression Registration

Chapter 4

1-5

Chapter 3(Please write “Residence Card to be returned” on the front of the

Chapter 2

Address: 9th floor, Tokyo Port Joint Government Bldg., 2-7-11 Aomi,

Chapter 1

The Residence Card of the deceased must be returned by one of the following ways.

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

2-1

About My Number System

•

i.		

When you receive a pension, childcare allowance or medical servicesii.		

When you make or receive overseas remittancesiii.		

When you open a bank accountWhen using My Number, the following will be confirmed:
Whether the number is exactly your numberii.		

Whether the person of the photo on the card and you are the same person. Therefore,

other person cannot use your My Number.

My Number Card (Individual Number Card)(1) Contents
Back side:

My Number

Chapter 8

Front side: Name, Address, Date of birth, Sex, Phot of yourself facing forward

Chapter 7

My Number Card is a card with IC chip which is necessary for convenient life in Japan.

Chapter 62-2

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

		

A My Number is necessary such as in the following occasions.

Chapter 3•		Chapter 2

My Number System

Chapter 1

2

Chapter 9

Back side

Chapter 11(2) When to use		

Use it as an identity verification document•

		Use it for filing an income tax online•		Use it for applying for childcare allowance or a nursery online•		Use it to get a copy of a certificate of residence at convenience stores (you can also get iton public holidays. In some municipalities, you may not be able to get a copy of a certificate ofresidence at convenience stores.)		

Use it as a health insurance card

17

Chapter 12••

Chapter 10

Front side2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

Please check at which medical institution and pharmacy you can use it

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/index_16743.html

You can apply for a My Number Card when you have decided your address and file a movingin notification to the municipality (except for some municipalities).
application.
If you weren’t able to make an application for a My Number Card when you moved into themeasures.
Application using a smartphone		

Take a photo with you facing forward with your smartphone, and apply online byusing the QR code on the application form.
Application using a PC

		

Take a photo showing you facing forward with a digital camera and apply online byusing the prescribed form.
Application by mail		

Paste a photo facing forward on an application form, fill the necessary things of theform, and put it in the post.
Application using an ID Photo Booth (you can only apply from certain booths)		Operate the touch-panel and insert coins, then present the QR code on an application

form to the bar-code reader. Fill in the necessary items and send it with your photo.
Apply for a My Number Card at the municipality office (with some exceptions).

		Fill in the necessary items on an application form and submit it to the municipal

office where you live.

See the following URL for details:

https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en-kofushinse/

your My Number Card by bringing the postcard and necessary documents with you to themunicipal office.
See the following URL for details:

https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en-uketori/

18

Chapter 12

About one month later, you will receive a postcard from the municipal office. Please collect

Chapter 11(4) How to receive your My Number Card

Chapter 10*		 If you apply for My Number Card at the counter of the municipal office, you can receive it by mail.

Chapter 9v.		

Chapter 8iv.		

Chapter 7iii.		

Chapter 6ii.		

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

new address, you can apply with an application form which will be sent to you later by following

Chapter 3

When you apply for a My Number Card for the first time, you don’t need to pay for the

Chapter 2(3) How to apply for a My Number Card

Chapter 1

on the following website:

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices•		When there is a change in any of the items listed on your My Number Card such as your•		

The validity period of your My Number Card will be expired on the date of expiration of yourperiod of stay.
		

If you renew the period of your stay of residence, please renew your My Number Card at themunicipal office where you live before it expires.
*		 The validity period of My Number Card will not be renewed automatically even when the period of your stay was*		 You need to pay attention to the special provision period which will occur upon application for the status of residence.
		 If it is expected that the period of your stay of residence will not be renewed by the validity date of your My Number

Chapter 4

renewed.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

name, address and so on, you need to report the matter to the municipal office where you live.

Chapter 1

Notes about handling My Number Cards (Individual
Number Card)

2-3

Card, you need to extend the validity date of your My Number Card for two months (special provision period).
new date of expiration of the period of your stay.

Chapter 5

		 After you receive a new residence card, you need to extend the validity date of your My Number Card again until the

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 7

2-4

Chapter 6https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu/english/basic_resident_registration_card.html

Other matters
About My Number Card

https://www.cao.go.jp/bangouseido/foreigners/
index.html

https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/en/

Chapter 9

About My Number System

Chapter 8

If you need further information, please access following website.

Chapter 10
Chapter 11

You can also inquire by telephone.
Call Center◎ Japanese

TEL 0120-95-0178◎ English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese

TEL 0120-0178-27

19

Chapter 12(Mon.-Fri 9:30-20:00 Sat. Sun. and holidays 9:30-17:30)

Chapter 3

Foreign nationals are permitted to engage in activities in Japan within the scope of activities
permitted by their status of residence.
their possibility of getting permission to work.

Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly-Skilled Professional,
Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/Entertainer, Skilled Labour, Specified Skilled Worker, Technical Intern Training, DesignatedActivities (Working Holiday, Foreign Nurse and Certified Care Worker, etc., based on Economic

Chapter 7

Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care,

Chapter 6

Status of Residence with which people may work within a specified scope

Chapter 5

Foreign nationals can be divided into the following three categories, which are determined by

Chapter 4

Status of Residence

Chapter 3

1-1

Chapter 2

Basic knowledge before starting work

Chapter 1

1

Employment/
Working

Partnership Agreement (EPA))

Cultural Activities, Temporary Visitor, Student, Trainee, Dependent

Permanent Resident, Spouse or child of Japanese National, Spouse or child of Permanent

Forms of employment(1) Dispatched workers (dispatched employees)		

Dispatched workers work as follows:i.		

A worker enters into a labour contract with a temporary staff company (dispatchingcompany). The dispatching company employs the worker and pays him/her.
ii.		

The worker is dispatched to another company based on a worker dispatch contract.

iii.		

The worker works under the directions and orders of the company receiving the

dispatched worker.

20

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

1-2

Chapter 10

Resident, Long-term Resident

Chapter 9

Status of Residence which people are permitted to work without restriction

Chapter 8

Status of Residence with which people may not be permitted to work in principle

3

Employment/Working

		

The Worker Dispatching Act sets forth detailed rules for dispatched workers to protect them.

•		

There are personnel who offer consultation at both dispatching companies and companies

receiving dispatched workers. If a dispatched worker encounters problems at work, he/she cancontact one of the persons in charge.
		 The dispatching company and the company receiving dispatched workers share theresponsibility, including matters pertaining to labour standards, safety and health, etc.

•

		Contract employees are workers who made a labour contract with a fixed contract term•		

A labour contract with a fixed contract term terminates on the expiration of the term of thecontract. However, the term of contract can be re-concluded (extended) if the worker and the•		

The term of contract shall be a maximum of 3 years, with exceptions in certain cases.

•		Part-time workers are workers whose prescribed weekly working hours are shorter thanthat of ordinary workers (so called “regular employees”) (*).
(known as arubaito in Japanese), contract employees, temporary employees and associate
staff members, the workers are part-time workers as long as they work under this contract.
“Weekly working hours” means the total working hours stipulated by the company's employment regulations,which start from the starting time to work to the time it ends, excluding break time.

•		The various acts pertaining to labour conditions apply to part-time workers, too. Therefore
can take annual paid leaveii.		

is covered by employment insurance, health insurance and employee’s pension insurance		

The company has the following obligations when they conclude a labour contract.

i.		

To clearly indicate working conditions to the workerii.		

To issue a written document with regards to six important items(See: 1-3 (2))

fixed-term employment contracts), companies must basically provide documentation to
specify the availability of pay raises, bonuses, severance allowance and consultation counters

For details, please contact Prefectural Labour Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal
Employment Department (Office) or Consultation Counters on General Labor Matters.
*		 Please see the page by prefecture or the address list of Employment Environment andEqual Employment Departments (Offices).

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/kouseiroudoushou/shozaiannai/roudoukyoku/index.html

21

Chapter 12

which deal with the improvement of employment management.

Chapter 11

In addition, in the case of part-time workers and contract employees (employees with a

Chapter 10

•

i.		

Chapter 9

if the part-time worker fulfills the required conditions, he/she

Chapter 8(*) 		

Chapter 7

No matter how the workers are described such as part-timers, temporary part-time workers

Chapter 6(3) Part-time workers

Chapter 5company agree to renew the labour contract.

Chapter 4

with their employers.

Chapter 3(2) Contract employees (employees with fixed-term employment
contracts)

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

3

Employment/Working

Principles		

In a “subcontracting” or “contract agreement”, as payment is made for the completion ofa work assignment pursuant to a contract received from a client, contractors are treated as“business owners” who do not work under the instruction of a client. Therefore, a contractor

Exceptions
		 However, even if you conclude a contract named as “subcontracting” or “contract
agreement,” if it is judged from the actual type of working that you are a “worker” who actually
receives instructions from the client, you can be protected as a “worker.”		 If it is difficult to determine if you are a “worker” or not, please contact to the Labour
Standards Inspection Office.

Labour contract(1) Range of meaning of the term “worker”		

The term ”worker” refers to a person who works under the instruction and control of an

employer, receives wages as compensation for the work, and is subject to the protection of•		"Workers" include people regardless of what kind of job they are engaged in. “Workers”

include not only regular employees, but also dispatched workers, contract employees andChapter 8

certain labour laws including the Labour Standards Act.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

1-3

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3cannot generally receive protection as a “worker.”

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1(4) A person who works upon entering into a subcontracting
agreement/ contract

part-time workers.

		To prevent workers from starting work without fully understanding the working conditions,such as wages, working hours, etc., which possibly cause to having problems later on with
their company, the Labour Standards Act (one of the laws concerning about working) in Japanthey conclude a labour contract.
•		With regards to the following items that are particularly important, it is required as a rule(exceptionally, the conditions can be clearly indicated by a fax or an E-mail, etc. (but limited tothose which can be output to create a document) to the worker, if the worker prefers to).

22

Chapter 12

for a company to issue a written document to the worker clearly indicating such conditions

Chapter 11

stipulates that the company must clearly indicate the working conditions to the worker when

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9(2) Specification of working conditions

3

Employment/Workingi.		

When the contract starts and when it ends (pertaining to the term of contract)
itself, such as regular employees, contract employees, part-time workers, temporary staff (Arubaito),
etc., does not reflect whether it is a contract with a fixed-term. Therefore, it is important for anii.		

Provisions related to renewal of the contract, when concluding a fixed term contract(possibility of renewal, how decisions are made for renewal)
Place of work, type of job (location of work, content of work)iv.		

Schedule of work hours and rest time (the time work begins and the time work ends;

whether there is overtime, rest periods, rest days/ holidays, rotation for alternative work

Chapter 3iii.		

Chapter 2

employee to confirm the term of contract, as well as the type of employment.

Chapter 1*		 A labour contract may be entered into either with or without a fixed-term.The type of employment

schedules, etc.)
The amount of wages, and when and how they are paid (determination, computationand payment of wages, the period of computation and the date of payment)
vi.		
		

Terms of the end of the labour contract (including the reasons of dismissal)

In addition, the Labour Contracts Act stipulates that the employer and the worker needto confirm details of the labour contracts as regards other matters besides those mentioned

The Labour Standards Act also stipulates matters that an employer must not incorporate in a labour
contract.
Having a penalty charge paid if a worker violates a labour contract or predetermining suchamount. *This is to prohibit fixing the amount of penalties or damages in advance. Therefore,
it is not prohibited for a company to claim damages actually incurred as a result of a willful or

Chapter 81)		

Chapter 7

Prohibitions with regard to labour contracts

Chapter 6

above on the documents as well as possible.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4v.		

negligent act of a worker as long as the amount of such damages is not predetermined.
Loaning money as a condition for work, and unilaterally offsetting monthly wages against suchmonetary loans as repayment.
3)		

Chapter 92)		

Forcing workers to deposit savings through the company. * It is prohibited for a company

matters such as company trip. However, it is permitted under certain conditions for the company
to take charge one part of the wages entrusted to the employer by the employees based on its

Chapter 11

own decision, regardless of the conditions of the labour contract.

Chapter 10

to force its employees to deposit savings regardless of the reason, even for employee welfare

Chapter 1223

3

Employment/Working

If the working conditions as promised turned out to be different from the reality		

If a worker notices that the working conditions as promised at the time of conclusion of the labour

contract differ from the reality after starting working, he/she may immediately cancel his/her labour
contract on those grounds.
		

Working conditions are decided based on the labour contract concluded by the company and theworker, the employment regulations of the company, etc., and minimum standards of the conditions
are stipulated by the Labour Standards Act. (The conditions which don’t match with the minimum
conditions stipulated by the Labour Standards Act.)•		In principle, the company cannot unilaterally change the working conditions to those unfavorable

Chapter 3

standards of conditions by the Labour Standards Act are no longer valid and substituted with the

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

to the worker without obtaining the consent of the worker after he/she actually started working.
Chapter 4

1-4

Chapter 5

Wages

The Minimum Wage Act stipulates the minimum amount of wages that a company must pay.

This applies to all workers regardless of differences between their types of working.

ii.		

It is prohibited to conclude a contract at a lower wage than the minimum wage. Hence,even if you agreed to work at a lower wage than the minimum wage at the request of acompany, such a promise is null and void under the law, and you may afterwards claim the

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 7(2) About the Minimum Wage

Chapter 6(1) Minimum Wagefollowing from the company:
Shortfall from the hourly minimum wage × number of hours worked(3) Leave allowance

must pay a leave allowance equal to at least 60 percent of the worker's average wage in order toguarantee a minimum standard of living for the worker. As long as the reasons for absence from

24

Chapter 12

work are attributable to the company, a certain level of salary is guaranteed to the worker.

Chapter 11

In the event of an absence from work for reasons attributable to the company, the company

Chapter 10

Absence from work for reasons attributable to the company

Chapter 9		3

Employment/Working

Rules for working
Payment of wages
There are rules on how wages must be paid to ensure that wages are paid in full to the workers.

Chapter 2

2-1

Chapter 1

2

The following four principles are established.

payment inWages must be paid in cash.

Exception

If a worker agrees, a bank transfer or other means canbe used. In addition, if a company and the labour union
makes an agreement, payment can be made in kind (suchas company goods) instead of payment in currency.

Wages must be paid directly to the worker.

direct payment

payment ofwages in fullPrinciple

Wages must be paid in full.

Exception

Deductions stipulated by law, such as income tax andsocial insurance premiums, etc.Deductions of part of thewith a labour union or a representative of a majority of
the workers

of regular

Wages must be paid at least once a month on a fixeddate.
For example, it is not permitted to pay two-month’

least once awage all at once. In addition, It is not allowed not tomonthspecify the date of payment, for example, such as
Friday every month” in which the payment daychanges within the range of a 7 days in a month.

Working hours, rest periods, rest days

(1) Working hours•

		

Maximum working hours are stipulated by law.

•		

The Labour Standards Act stipulates that the maximum working hours should be 8 hours a

day and 40 hours a week (legal working hours)•		

If a company has its workers work overtime, the company must pay extra wages.

25

Chapter 122-2

Extraordinary wages and bonuses

Chapter 11

Exception

Chapter 10"from the 20th to 25th every month,” or "the fourth

Chapter 9

payment at

Chapter 8

Principle

Chapter 7

wages in case where a written agreement is concluded

iv. Principle

Chapter 6iii. Principle ofChapter 5

ii. Principle ofChapter 4

currency

Principle

Chapter 3

i. Principle of

3

Employment/Working(2) Rest periods
minutes if the working hours per day exceed 6 hours. Moreover, if they exceed 8 hours, it is at least

Chapter 1

A company must provide its workers during working hours, with a rest period of at least 45
60 minutes.

Chapter 2(3) Rest days
period of 4 weeks (legal holiday).

The worker dispatching agency shall assume responsibility for making decisions on theshall assume responsibility for the observation of the rules including working hours, rest periods,
rest days, etc.

Annual paid leave is a holiday (vacation) that a worker may take during which wages are paid evenannual paid leave whenever they want and for whatever the reason is. A worker who has been working
continuously for 6months and has reported for work on at least 80% of the total working days can take

Chapter 7though he/she is absent from work on the prescribed working days. In principle, workers can take

Chapter 6

Annual paid leave

Chapter 5

working conditions of dispatched workers, and the company receiving the worker dispatch service

Chapter 4(4) Obligation of making decisions on working conditions regarding
dispatched workers

Chapter 3

A company must give its workers at least 1 rest day per week, or at least 4 rest days over aannual paid leave of 10 working days. Furthermore, as the worker’s years of service increases, the number
least 80% of attendance at work (with an upper limit of 20 days). A company must permit holidays of 5days by designating the season to workers who are given annual paid leave of more than 10 days.
different types of employment from that of regular employees, shall be granted the same number ofannual paid leave as regular employees, if they		

have worked continuously for six months•		have reported for work on at least 80% of all working days (*)•

		have worked for at least five days a week or 217 days a year

granted annual paid leave of the same amount as regular employees, if their prescribed working hours areat least 30 hours a week.
Workers whose prescribed working hours are four days or less a week or 216 days or less a year,
accordance with the prescribed number of their working days.
When the contract of an employee with a fixed-term contract is renewed, the days he/she reported
for work prior to renewal of the contract will be included in the calculation if the renewal of contract makes
the situation virtually the same as continuous employment.

26

Chapter 12

and whose prescribed working hours are less than 30 hours a week, are granted annual paid leave in

Chapter 11

Even in cases where they work only four days or less a week or 216 days or less a year, they shall be

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

In addition, workers such as dispatched workers and part-time workers, even though they have

Chapter 8of paid holidays he/she can take annually will increase as well as long as he/she meets the condition of at

3

Employment/Working

2-3Overtime work and work on holidays

		 A company must conclude a written agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “36agreement”) with a labour union organized by a majority of workers, or a representative of amajority of workers if there is no union organized by a majority of workers, in case where thei. Overtime work beyond legal working hours

Chapter 3

company wants to have workers work in the following situations.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1(1) Overtime work, and work on holidays

ii. Work on statutory holidays
		The maximum time of overtime work is stipulated by law.

•		 The maximum hours are stipulated in the Labour Standards Act. In principle, these
special reasons, they are up to 720 hours a year but less than 100 hours a month (including
work on holidays), 80 hours over an average of multiple months (including work on holidays).

(2) Premium
case the company has its workers work overtime, or on statutory holidays.

i.		

25% or more for overtime work beyond legal working hours

35% or more for work on a statutory holiday (holiday work)iii.		

25% or more for work from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am (midnight work)* For example, in the case of overtime work beyond legal working hours, and when it is also midnightwork at the same time (items i & iii), the premium pay shall be increased by 50% or more.
premium pay shall be paid to dispatched workers, contract employees, part-time workers and temporary
workers as well.

Chapter 11

Premium pay shall be applied to all workers, regardless of types of employment. Therefore, theChapter 10ii.		

Chapter 9*		 For overtime work exceeding legal working hours by 60 hours a month, apremium of 50% or more must be paid (small and medium-sized enterprises are
granted a postponement until March 2023)

Chapter 8

How to calculate the rate of premium pay for overtime

Chapter 7

According to the 36 agreement, a company has to pay a premium for overtime work in the

Chapter 6

Up to six months a year, working overtime for more than 45 hours is permitted.

Chapter 5

maximums are up to 45 hours a month, 360 hours a year. (In the case of any temporary andChapter 4•

Chapter 1227

3

Employment/Working•

		Pregnant women (partially including female workers who is within one year after childbirth,

Chapter 2(1) In case of pregnancy

Chapter 1

Maternity health care, maternity leave, childcare
leave / family care leave, etc.

2-4

and in such case, hereinafter referred to as “expectant or postpartum mothers”) can apply fori.		

Transfer to other, light activities (only during the pregnancyii.		

Keeping her working hours on legal working hours per weekor per day basis (including when an irregular working hour

Chapter 4

period)Chapter 3

the following:

system is adapted)(for expectant and nursing mothers)
Exemption from overtime work, holiday work or midnight work (for expectant andnursing mothers)i.		

Securing the time for receiving the health guidance and medical examinationsii.		

If a female worker receives instructions from a doctor or a midwife, take necessary

measures such as changing her working hours or reducing her work so that she can•		Companies are prohibited from doing the following acts:
Stipulating marriage, pregnancy or childbirth as a reason for the dismissal of female

workersii.		

Dismissal of female workers due to her marriage

pregnancy, childbirth or applying for maternity leave before and after childbirth, etc.
Dismissal of expectant or postpartum mothers is invalid. However, this shall not apply in the event that thecompany prove that the dismissal is not caused by reasons such as pregnancy or childbirth.

•		A female worker who is pregnant is allowed to take the following holidays:i.		

Six weeks before the expected date of confinement on the woman’s request (or 14

weeks in the case of multiple fetuses)ii.		

Eight weeks after childbirth as the period when the employer shall not have thewoman work (She may work if she has so requested after six weeks have passed sincechildbirth, and a doctor has accepted her working have no adverse effect on her.)

28

Chapter 12(2) Maternity leave

Chapter 11*		Chapter 10iii.		 Dismissal or disadvantageous treatment to female workers by reason of her

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8

follow the instructions

Chapter 7

prescribed in the Maternal and Child Health Act

Chapter 6*Employers have to take the following measures:

Chapter 5iii.		

3

Employment/Working(3) Childcare leave		

Until the child becomes one year old (up to two years in certain cases), male and female

workers can take childcare leave.
•		Employers are prohibited to do the following (this applies to companies receiving dispatchedi.		

Refusing an application for childcare leave

application for childcare leave		

A worker can take family care leave (Childcare and Family Care Leave Act)
This is a leave in order to provide nursing care to a family member in a condition that

requires caregiving.
ii.		

Family care leave can be divided up to three times within a period not exceeding 93

		Employers are prohibited to do the following (this applies to companies receiving dispatched

Refusing an application for family care leaveii.		

Treating workers in a disadvantageous manner such as dismissal of workers due totheir application for family care leave

Employment Department (Office) or Consultation Counters on General Labor Matters.
*		 Please see the page by prefecture or the address list of Employment Environment and Equal Employment

Chapter 9

For details, please contact Prefectural Labour Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 7

workers)

Chapter 6days in total per each family member•

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4(4) Family care leave

Chapter 3ii.		 Treating workers in a disadvantageous manner such as dismissal due to their

Chapter 2

workers)•

Chapter 1•

Departments (Offices).

•		Persons who meet the conditions during childcare leave are granted childbirth allowance.

See Chapter 4 3-2
		Persons who take childcare leave and meet certain conditions are granted childcare leaveallowance.
See Chapter 4 3-3•

		Persons who take family care leave and meet certain conditions are granted family care leaveallowance		

An allowance is equal to 67% of the person’s wage before the suspension of their work and it ispaid up to three times per Subject Family Member, for up to 93 days.

29

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Allowances

Chapter 10

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/kouseiroudoushou/shozaiannai/roudoukyoku/index.html

3

Employment/Working

2-5

Resignation / Dismissal
Chapter 1(1) Resignation		

It is your choice to resign from a company, however, it is important to maintain some social

rules when you resign.
Notify your supervisor know your intention to resign

before you resign		

Notify the company of your resignation in written form

iii.		

Handing over your jobs to your successor

If you decide to resign, it is necessary for you to look up the resignation procedures in yourcompany.
		 If your company stipulates resignation procedures in its employment regulations, you
should follow the company’s rules.
•

		 When a worker notify his/her intention to resign, the applicable laws and rules differ

Labour contract without a fixed term		

If a worker has entered into a labour contract without a fixed term, the labour contract will

be terminated within two weeks after the worker nortified his/her resignation.

Labour contract with a fixed term		

If a worker has entered into a labour contract with a fixed term, he/she cannot resign during

the middle of the term of contract unless there are unavoidable circumstances. If one year has
passed since the contract was entered into, the worker can resign anytime by notifying his/her•		In order to continue working after the expiration of the term of contract, it is necessary toenter into a new labour contract (to renew the labour contract) (See: 1-2 (2)). The renewal of(2) Dismissal

This is an unilateral termination of a labour contract by a company.

•

If the dismissal lacks an objective, rational grounds and is deemed inappropriate undersocially accepted conventions, the dismissal shall be invalid. In other words, a company cannot
dismiss its workers at will.

•

In addition, it is required for a company to prescribe reasons for the dismissal (circumstancesthat are the basis for dismissal) in its employment regulations.

30

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Dismissal

Chapter 10

a labour contract requires the consent of both the company and the worker.

Chapter 9

resignation.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

depending on whether his/her labour contract has a fixed-term or not.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

•

ii.		

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2•

3

Employment/Working•

When a company wishes to dismiss a worker, the company is required to provide at least 30
notice payment) to the worker concerned except for the cases that where the company cannot
continue its business because of natural disaster or other accidents, or where the reasons for

Chapter 1days advance notice or must pay the worker the average wages for 30 days or more (dismissal

dismissalwere caused by the worker himself/herself.

•		If a new contract is not concluded or a current labour contract is not renewed when a fixed-•		

The termination of a fixed-term employment is different from dismissal, in which a company

terminates the labour contract unilaterally.
A company must provide 30 days advance notice for the workers below:i.		

Workers whose contract were renewed three or more times.

ii.		

Workers who have continued to work for more than one year.

		 In the following cases, a company cannot terminate a fixed-term employment without
objective and rational reasons or without socially accepted conventions.

renewed many times.

•		When a worker reasonably assumed that his/her employment would continue.

If the company is not allowed to terminate a fixed-term employment, the labour contract

Chapter 7ii.		

Chapter 6i.		 When a termination is recognized as dismissal because the contract has been

Chapter 5•		Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

term employment expires, the fixed-term employment will be terminated.(See: 1-2 (2))

Chapter 2

Termination of fixed-term employment

with a fixed term shall be renewed under the same working conditions as before.

		When a company carried out workforce reduction due to a recession,business slump, etc., a dismissal in this case is referred to as a dismissal forthe purposes of restructuring.
		

Whether such a dismissal is valid or not is judged in the light of thefollowing matters.
i.		

Necessity of workforce reduction

recession, business slump, etc.
ii.		

Efforts to avoid dismissal

recruitment of those persons who would like to resign.
iii.		

Rational choice of suitable persons subject to dismissal for the purpose of restructuring
The criteria for choosing persons subject to dismissal for the purpose of restructuring must be

objective and rational, and their implementation must be fair.
iv.		

Appropriateness of dismissal procedures
The need for dismissal and its timing, scale and method must be explained to the labour union

or workers to gain their understanding.

31

Chapter 12

Efforts must have been made to avoid dismissal through other means, such as reassignment,

Chapter 11

It must be based on needs serious enough to carry out workforce
reduction measures in the light of company management such as

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

Dismissal for the purpose of restructuring

3

Employment/Working(3) Bankruptcy of the company
company under the Act on Ensuring Wage Payment, in the event the company goes bankrupt andChapter 1

A system has been established which the government pays unpaid wages on behalf of acannot pay wages to its workers.
unpaid wages might be paid.

In case of employmenta basic allowance from employment insurance.
•		Chapter 4

If you were covered by employment insurance and meet the conditions below, you can receive

Chapter 3(4) Employment Insurance (Basic allowance)

Chapter 2

Please consult with the Labour Standards Inspection Office in such case, as part of yourTerms for being eligible to receive a basic allowance
Being an unemployed personii.		

A person who is capable to work and has the intention of getting a job

iii.		A person who had worked at least 11 days per month or at least 80 working hours per

she left the company.
		(However, if the reason for being unemployed is the bankruptcy or other circumstances

the basic allowance provided he/she had worked for at least 11 days per month or at least
80 working hours per month as the bases of wage payment for 6 months during the span ofStarting time of paymenti.		

Dismissal due to circumstances of the company, resignation due to recommendationby the company, etc.
When 7 days have passed in total since the person became unemployed after anapplication for job hunting (*1) was submitted and a certificate of unemployment was
accepted at Hello Work (the Public Employment Security Office)Voluntary resignation

		When an additional 2 months (the number of voluntary resignations shall be up to twicein 5 years) (*2) have passed since 7 days had passed in total since the person became
unemployed after an application for job hunting (*1) was submitted and a certificate of*1		

Please check “(5) Job Hunting Activities” for Hello Work in your place of residence or job hunting activities after

application for job hunting.
*2		

In the case of the third or subsequent voluntary resignation in 5 years, 3 months should have passed.

iii.		

Dismissal for a serious reason that is attributed to the worker himself/herself

		When an additional 3 months have passed since 7 days had passed in total since theperson became unemployed after an application for job hunting was submitted and acertificate of unemployment was accepted at Hello Work.

32

Chapter 12

unemployment was accepted at Hello Work.

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10

		Chapter 9This depends on the reason of your becoming unemployed.

Chapter 8

one year period before he/she left the company.)

Chapter 7of the company, or non-renewal of a fixed-term labour contract, etc., a worker can receive

Chapter 6month as the bases of wage payment for 12 months during the span of two years before he/

Chapter 5

i.		

3

Employment/Working

When you receive a certificate of unemployment, make sure to check and read the reasons
voluntarily, even when in fact you were dismissed due to company circumstances or you merely
accepted a recommendation to resign by the company, you will be at a disadvantage with regard

Chapter 1

for your resignation of the company. This is because, if it states that you resigned the company

to receiving the basic allowance.

This depends on the reason for your unemployment and your age. It will be from 90 days to

Chapter 3

330 days in principle.

Chapter 2

Period of payment(5) Job Hunting Activities
job.

Chapter 4

You will perform job hunting activities at Hello Work or other places in order to find your next
You can receive the following services from the job consulting counter at Hello Work, all ofChapter 5

those are free of charge.
Job consultation

		

They provide various types of consultation for job hunting

and employment. You should consult with them first about any
matter.
Looking for a company for which you want to work

		 Hello Work has job vacancy information from a lot ofcompanies. You can check such job vacancy information on the personal computer of Helloiii.		

Introduction to a company for which you want to work		

If you find a company for which you want to work, you should visit the counter at Hellowill also hand you an “Introduction Letter” so that you can have an employment screening
interview.
Support for job searching

		 Hello Work also provides correction guidance for application documents such as apersonal history or resume, advice on interview etiquette and attitude, a mock interview,

Please visit the following website to check Hello Work in your place of residence:

Interpreters are available at certain branches.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000592865.pdf

33

Chapter 12https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000637894.pdf

Chapter 11

and various seminars

Chapter 10

iv.		

Chapter 9

Work. A staff will give you advice on important points of the company or job hunting. He/she

Chapter 8

Work or your smart phone.

Chapter 7ii.		

Chapter 6

i.		

3

Employment/Working

If you cannot visit Hello Work, you can make a phone call to Hello Work in foreign

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000673000.pdf

in 2-5 in detail:https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000678121.pdf

following website:

Chapter 3

For consultation about working conditions (wages, dismissal), etc., please visit the

Chapter 2“Checklist for Using Hello Work for Foreign Nationals” explains matters described

Chapter 1

languages.

https://www.check-roudou.mhlw.go.jp/soudan/foreigner.html

understand, you can check it with the “Multilanguage Useful Glossary for

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/seisakunitsuite/bunya/koyou_roudou/koyou/jigyounushi/
tagengoyougosyu/index.html

Chapter 6

Health and security
Healthy and safety working environment
The Industrial Safety and Health Act is a law to ensure health and safety for workers. Companies

illnesses.

Companies have the following obligations:		 Take necessary measures to prevent dangers due to machines, instruments and other•		 Conduct an annual health checkups when a company recruits workers or after their
recruitment. (Workers have to receive a health checkups.)
		Conduct a stress checkup on workers and take necessary measures on job such as changing

their work according to the results of the checkup.
•

		(Companies with less than 50 workers are obliged to strive to do the above.)•		Grasp the workers’ working hours objectively from the viewpoint of health management.

•		

Have the workers see a doctor for counseling and take necessary measures such as changing

their work in case the workers are fatigued because of long working hours.

34

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

equipment.

Chapter 10(1) Contents of the Industrial Safety and Health Act

Chapter 9

are obliged to take necessary measures to protect workers from work-related accidents andChapter 8

3-1

Chapter 7

3•

Chapter 5

Employment Management.”

Chapter 4

If there is any term relating to labor or social insurance of which meaning you don’t

3

Employment/Working(2) Health checkups, etc.
workers, contract employees, and part-time employees are eligible for health checkups and stress

Chapter 1

Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, not only regular employees but also dispatched
checks, if they meet the following two conditions:		

Being employed with a contract without a fixed term (in case of a worker with a fixed-term

contract, the worker must be expected to be employed for at least one year, or have been
employed at least one year by renewal of the contract)		Working for three-quarters or more of the prescribed working hours of regular workers

engaged in the same type of job at the place of business per week.

Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, not only regular employees but also dispatchedphysicians, if they meet the following condition:•

		

Having performed overtime work or holiday work for over 80 hours a month, and being

Chapter 5

workers, contract employees, and part-time employees are eligible for face-to-face guidance byChapter 4(3) Face-to-face guidance by physicians

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

recognized to be suffering from fatigue (if they submit a request). However, those who meeta request:
R&D workers who worked overtime or on holidays for 100 hours or more per monthii.		

Workers under the highly skilled professional system whose health management

hours (the total of hours spent in the workplace and working hours outside the workplace)than 100 hours per month

FRESC (Foreign Residents Support Center) Safety and Health Management Consultation

Chapter 9

Please visit the following website for consultation about workplace health and safety:

Chapter 8

per week exceed 40 hours, where the excess hours per week have accumulated to more

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6

the following conditions are eligible for face-to-face guidance by physicians without submitting

Team
Chapter 10

https://www.toukiren.or.jp/fresc/

Chapter 11
Chapter 1235

3

Employment/Working

Compensation for injuries or illnesses due to work
(Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance)
Workers are compensated by Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance if they incur an•		

If you receive treatment at a hospital designated by the Industrial Accident Compensation

you must pay the cost initially, but you can be reimbursed by submitting a request to the
Labour Standards Inspection Office).
•		

If you have to take a day off from work, you can receive compensation for absence from

80% of the amount equivalent to the average wage will be covered by the Industrial Accident
Compensation Insurance from the fourth day).
If a worker dies, Benefits (compensation), etc. for the Surviving Family will be provided tothe bereaved family.
•		It is prohibited for a company to fire a worker during a period he/she is away from work, and(2) Other reminders		Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance covers not only injuries and illnesses at work,

but also injuries, etc., incurred while commuting.
		Mental disorders such as depression due to causes such as long working hours are also

covered by Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance.
•		Even when you develop a disease caused by work in Japan after return to your home country,

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8•

Chapter 730 days thereafter, for treatment of an injury or illness due to an employment accident.

Chapter 6

		Chapter 5

work (the business owner will pay 60% of the average wage until the third day of leave, and•Chapter 4

Insurance, the treatment cost will usually be free (if you go to a hospital that is not designated,

Chapter 3(1) Procedure for applying for the Industrial Accident Compensation
Insurance

Chapter 2

injury or illness due to their work.

Chapter 1

3-2

it is covered by the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance.
		You cannot use health insurance if the injury or illness was caused by work•		 If any issues arise concerning injuries, etc., incurred during work or commuting, please
consult the Labour Standards Inspection Office.
		Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance applies not only to regular employees but also

to dispatched workers, contract employees, and part-time employees.
•

		

Basically, a company that employs even one worker is required to join the Industrial Accident

Details of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance benefits are posted on
the following website.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/new-info/kobetu/roudou/gyousei/rousai/gaikoku-pamphlet.html

36

Chapter 12Compensation Insurance and pay the entire insurance premium.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10•

3

Employment/Working

3-3Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex
Chapter 1(1) While seeking employment
		With regard to the recruitment and employment of workers, employers are prohibited fromdiscriminating against workers on the basis of sex.

•

		 Employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers on the basis of sex, withi.		

Assignment, promotion, demotion, and training of workers;ii.		

Welfare (fringe benefits as provided by ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Labouriii.		

Changes in type of job or employment statusiv.		

Encouragement of retirement, mandatory retirement age, dismissal, and renewal•

		 Employers are prohibited from using the fact that a worker is a woman as a basis for

For details, please contact Prefectural Labour Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal
Employment Department (Office) or Consultation Counters on General Labor Matters.
Please see the page by prefecture or the address list of Employment Environment and Equal Employment Departments(Offices).

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/kouseiroudoushou/shozaiannai/roudoukyoku/index.html

Chapter 8*

Chapter 7

engaging in differential treatment in comparison to men with respect to wages.

Chapter 6of the labour contract

Chapter 5

and Welfare)

Chapter 4

regard to the following matters:

Chapter 3(2) After employment

Chapter 2•

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1237

3

Employment/Working

3-4

Harassment prevention measures

to give advice to workers and cope with the problems of workers, so that the working conditions ofis an obligation to make efforts for small and medium-sized enterprises until March 31, 2022.)
Sexual harassment;ii.		

Maternity harassment;

iii.		

Harassment regarding childcare leave, etc.; andiv.		

Power harassment (*)

of superior positions in a relationship as background.

Employment Department (Office) or Consultation Counters on General Labor Matters.
*

Please see the page by prefecture or the address list of Employment Environment and Equal Employment Departments

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/kouseiroudoushou/shozaiannai/roudoukyoku/index.html

		For foreign workers who are currently working in Japan in various specialized/technical fields

as well as those wishing to work in Japan in the future, it is necessary to improve an environment•

		 The “Guidelines for Employers to Improve the Management of Employment of Foreign
Workers” (the “Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign Workers”) sets out there-employment support for foreign workers.
		

Hello Work provides advice and guidance based on the Guidelines for Employment
workers.

Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign Workers

Pamphlet concerning the rules for employing foreign workers

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000603552.pdf

38

Chapter 12https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000601382.pdf

Chapter 11

Management of Foreign Workerswhen it visits business establishments employing foreign

Chapter 10

rules for employers to take appropriate measures to improve employment management andChapter 9where they can be ensured fair treatment and safely exercise their abilities effectively.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign
Workers

3-5

Chapter 6(Offices).

•

Chapter 5

For details, please contact Prefectural Labour Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal

Chapter 4(*) Harming the workplace environment by behavior that goes beyond the level needed for business with taking advantage

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2

workers will not be harmed by reason of the following types of harassment; (iv. Power harassment

Chapter 1

Employers are required to take necessary measures, including developing necessary systems,

3

Employment/Working

Social Insurance and Labour InsuranceSocial insurance and labour insurance are systems in which money (insurance premiums)

events such as loss of employment, injury, and death, so that workers can prepare for various life
risks.

Health insurance / National health insurance

Chapter 6) provide necessary medical benefits or allowances to workers in cases where workers
or their family have matters of such as the following:
When they have an injury or illness,ii.		

When they have given birth, oriii.		

When they died.

National pension / employees’ pension insurance

Section 1 of Chapter 7) provide insurance benefits to workers for a lifetime in case they reach old

Long-term care insuranceLong-term care insurance is a system to support elderly and other people who need long-term care by society as a whole.

Chapter 10

Refer to Section 2 of Chapter 7, Long-Term Care Insurance.

Chapter 94-3

Chapter 8age, suffer from physical disability, or die.

Chapter 7

National pension and employees’ pension insurance (refer to Subsections 1-1 and 1-2 in

Chapter 6

4-2

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

Health insurance / National health insurance (Refer to Subsections 2-1 and 2-2 in Section 2 ofChapter 3

4-1

Chapter 2

are publicly collect from workers and/or companies and provide to workers when they encounter

Chapter 1

4

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

39

3

Employment/Working

4-4

Employment insurance

benefits, etc., to unemployed workers to ensure theirliving and promote their employment.

insurance.
		Workers who have prescribed working hours of 20 hours or more per week; and•		Workers who are expected to be employed at least 31 days.

ii.		

Persons who are considered eligible based on i) are eligible for employment insurance

regardless of the size of the business establishment.
Persons who are considered eligible based on i) are eligible for employment insurance

whether they are dispatched workers, contract employees, or part-time workers.

i.		The company has the responsibility of enrolling its workers in the employmentii.		The payment of premiums is shared by both the workers and the company.

Chapter 7

insurance system.

Chapter 6(2) Payment of premiums

Chapter 5iii.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3i.		 In principle, persons who fall under the followings are eligible for employment

Chapter 2(1) Persons eligible for employment insurance

Chapter 1

The employment insurance system (refer to Subsection 2-5, (4)) provides unemployment

Employment insurance

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance

government provides necessary insurance benefits in the following cases;i.		 Where workers incurred injury, illness or death due to their job (employmentii.		 Injury, illness, or death of workers who are employed by multiple companies, etc.
(accidents due to multiple job causes)

40

Chapter 12iii.		 Where workers incurred accidents on their way to work (commuting accidents).

Chapter 11

accidents); andChapter 10

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (refer to 3-2) is a public system in which the

Chapter 94-5Chapter 8

https://www.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp/insurance/insurance_summary.html

Notification of pregnancy and issuance of a maternaland child health handbook (boshi kenko techo)		Once you learn of your pregnancy, report it to your local municipal office as soon as possible.

•		The office will provide the following to those who report their pregnancy:
A maternal and child health book (boshi kenko techo)ii.		

Tickets for receiving subsidized prenatal checkupsiii.		

Consultation with public health nurses and other professionals

iv.		

Information on parental classes (for mothers and fathers)

The maternal and child health handbook records the entire health history of the mother from pregnancy tobirth, and of the child from infancy to early childhood, while providing guidance for the parents or guardians onchildrearing. It is designed to allow parents or guardians to make notes of and manage information, and to enable1-2		During pregnancy, you must take even greater care of your health than usual.
Please receive regular prenatal checkups and manage your health according to the advice•		

It is best to receive prenatal health checkups with the following frequency:
Once every four weeks from early pregnancy until

week 23;ii.		

Once every two weeks from week 24 to week 35;

iii.		

Once a week from week 36 until childbirth.

41

Chapter 12

andChapter 11i.		

Chapter 10of doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals.

Chapter 9•Prenatal health checkups

Chapter 8

healthcare professionals to make notes of and view information.

Chapter 7*		Chapter 6i.		

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

1-1

Chapter 3

Procedures Related to Pregnancy

Chapter 2

1

Chapter 1

Childbirth andParenting

Chapter 44Childbirth and Parenting

A public health nurse, midwife, or other healthcare professional will visit you at your home toi.		

Guidance on home life or meals;

childbirth; andiii.		

There is no fee for these visits. For details, please contact your local municipal office.

Chapter 4*

Consultations concerning caring for an infant.

Chapter 3ii.		 Consultations about uncertainties or concerns you may have about pregnancy andChapter 2

provide you with help and guidance on the following matters;

Chapter 1

Home visits by a public health nurse, midwife, orother healthcare professional

1-3

Chapter 5
Chapter 6

Parental classes (for mothers and fathers)
The municipality holds parental classes on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, nutrition, andparents.

Chapter 8other relevant topics. These classes are also an opportunity to meet and talk with other expecting

Chapter 7

1-4

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1242

4Childbirth and Parenting

Notification of birth

Chapter 2

2-1

Procedures after BirthIf you gave birth to a child in Japan		

A notification of birth must be submitted by the mother or father.

•		This notification must be submitted within 14 days of birth.

•		Submit the notification of birth to the municipality where your child(1) Documents required for notification of birth		Birth certificate•		For other necessary documents, contact the municipality to which you are submitting theChapter 6

notification.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

was born or the municipality of the person submitting the notification.

Chapter 3•(2) Other procedures
certificate may be deleted, and the child may not be able to receive administrative services
such as national health insurance and child care allowance. For details, refer to Chapter 1, 2-4,

Chapter 8“Acquisition of status of residence.”

Chapter 7

If a status of residence is not obtained for the child within 60 days of birth, the residence

Notification of the childbirth to home countries

obtain Japanese nationality even if he or she is born in Japan. In such acase, it is necessary to perform the procedure to report the birth of thechild to your home country. For details, please contact the embassy or
In addition, acquire a passport for your child.

Chapter 11

consulate (general) of the father’s or mother’s country in Japan.

Chapter 10

If neither of the parents have Japanese nationality, your child cannot

Chapter 92-2Chapter 1

2

Chapter 1243

4Childbirth and ParentingChildbirth Expenses and Allowances
As pregnancy and childbirth are not illnesses, they are not generally covered by health

Chapter 1

3
insurance.

Lump-sum allowance for childbirthThis is a system for paying out 420,000 yen to cover the expenses for delivery when the

not covered by the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy, such as when the
duration of pregnancy is less than 22 weeks, the amount paid is 404,000 yen.

Chapter 4mother is enrolled in health insurance or the national health insurance. However, if the delivery is

Chapter 3

3-1

Chapter 2

C-sections and other surgical procedures are covered by health insurance as exceptions.

There are two types of payment in this system.

		 With this method, the medical institution requests and receives the lump-sum
directly to the medical institution, you do not have to pay the full amount of the childbirth
expenses at the payment counter when leaving the hospital.
		With this method, when requesting the lump-sum allowance for childbirth from the

Health Insurance Association or other association you are enrolled in, you can entrust
lump-sum allowance is paid directly to the medical institution.

Childbirth allowance

Chapter 93-2

Chapter 8

medical institution where your child will be born to receive the allowance so that the

Chapter 7(2)		
Proxy recipient

Chapter 6

allowance for childbirth on the mother’s behalf. As the lump-sum allowance is paid

Chapter 5(1)		
Direct payment

If you are enrolled in health insurance yourself and must take a leave of absence from workwithin the period starting 42 days before birth (the due date) (98 days for multiple births) andending 56 days after birth. In principle, you are eligible to receive the amount equivalent to two
insurance. However, if you receive wages from the company you work for during your leave, andthe amount you receive from the company is greater than the childbirth allowance amount, you
The date of birth is included in the period prior to the date when the child is born. If the actual
date of birth is later than the due date, you will be also eligible to receive a childbirth allowancefor the delayed period.

44

Chapter 12

are not eligible to receive the childbirth allowance.

Chapter 11

thirds of your wages per day as childbirth allowance during your maternity leave from your health

Chapter 10

without pay, you will be eligible to receive a childbirth allowance for the duration you were absent

4Childbirth and Parenting

3-3Childcare leave benefits

less than one year of age (one year and two months if certain conditions are met or one year andsix months or two years if certain other conditions are met) and meet the following conditions,principle. (For the first six months, you will receive the amount equivalent to 67% of your wages
prior to the start of the leave. After that, you will receive 50% of your wages prior to the start of•		Conditions for receiving the benefitsi.		

You have worked more than 11 days per month or more than 80 working hours per

to the start date of your childcare leave.
ii.		

You meet certain conditions such as your wages during childcare leave drop to less

Chapter 7(2) In the case of a temporary worker (employee with a fixed-term
contract)

Chapter 6than 80% of the wages you made when starting your leave.

Chapter 5months as the bases of wage payment for 12 months or more during the two years prior

Chapter 4

the leave.)

Chapter 3

you will be eligible to receive childcare leave benefits by applying for the benefit at Hello Work, in

Chapter 2

If you are enrolled in employment insurance and take childcare leave to care for a child who is

Chapter 1(1) Provision during childcare leave

A temporary worker (an employee with a fixed-term contract) must satisfy all of the following

Employed by the same company (same business owner) for more than one yearii.		

It is unclear that the employment contract will end before his/her child turns one

year and six months old (two years old if the childcare leave starts after the child is one
year and six months old due to reasons such as the child being unable to enter daycare).

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8

conditions at the start of the childcare leave, in addition to the conditions above:

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1245

4Childbirth and Parenting

3-4Child allowanceof the children.

(1) Eligibility•

		Submit an application for the allowance to your local municipality.

•		

In principle, the allowance is paid starting from the month following the month in which the•		You need to submit the new application when a new child is born or when you move toanother municipality

Chapter 6(3) Amountbirthday(15,000 yen for the third and subsequent children)

10,000 yen

Chapter 9

March 31st after their 12th

15,000 yen

Chapter 8

From 3 years until the firstAmount of child allowance (monthly amount per child)

10,000 yen

From the first March 31st
after their 12th birthday until
the first March 31st after

Chapter 7

Age of child
Under 3

Chapter 5

application is submitted.

Chapter 4(2) How to receive the child allowance

Chapter 3

Person raising a child until the first March 31st after their 15th birthday

Chapter 2

This allowance is paid when the child and the person raising the child are both living in Japan.

Chapter 1

The child allowance is paid to ensure a stable home environment and the healthy development*		 If the income of the person raising the child is at or above income threshold, 5,000 yen a month (5,000 or 0 yen a

Chapter 10

their 15th birthday

month from June 2022 onward) is paid.
reached the first March 31st after their 18th birthday and are being raised.

As a rule, child allowance is paid altogether once in 4 months (June, October, and February).

46

Chapter 12(4) Payment timing

Chapter 11*		 ”Third and subsequent children” means the third child and subsequent children among the children who have not4Childbirth and Parenting

4

Checkup of infantsYour municipality provides the following health checkups for free:		18-month-old checkup•		

3-year-old checkup•		

Depending on the municipality, checkups may be provided for infants of other ages.

contact your local municipality.

Vaccinations
There are some illnesses that can be immunized against with vaccinations. There are twoi.		

Vaccinations recommended by the municipality

		 These vaccinations may be provided for free. For details, contact your localii.		

Voluntary vaccinations available by request		For these vaccinations, you will pay out-of-pocket.

Medical expenses for children

to age six prior to the start of elementary school.
Depending on your local municipality, medical expenses may be free until the end of•		

Facilities for preschool-aged children
There are different types of facilities for children up to age six prior to the start of elementary

school, such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and centers for early childhood education and
care.
•

		

Fees for daycare centers, kindergartens, centers for early childhood education and care, arefree for all children aged 3 to 5.

47

Chapter 124-4Chapter 11

elementary school or additional aid may be provided.

Chapter 10

If you are enrolled in a health insurance, you pay 20% of the medical expenses for children up

Chapter 94-3

Chapter 8

Consult your doctor before giving your child vaccinations.

Chapter 7municipality.

Chapter 6

types of vaccinations.

Chapter 5

4-2

Chapter 4*		 Checkups include tests of development, height and weight measurement, and parenting consultations. For details,

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

4-1

Chapter 1

Parenting4Childbirth and Parenting(1) Day care center (Hoikujo)		These facilities care for children in lieu of parents and guardians who are unable to provide

care at home for work or other reasons.
•		Regular daycare services are eight hours a day, and some daycares also offer after-hours

		

Some day care centers offer hourly care services in which children can be left there on anhourly basis in the event of urgent business or a short-term part-time job, for example.

Chapter 2

services such as evening and holiday daycare services.
•

Chapter 1•

Chapter 3

Non-registered daycare facilities
to the Child Welfare Act. The following are examples of non-registered daycare facilities:
Non-registered daycares (Muninka hoikujo)•		Daycares for customers at department stores•		Day nurseries (Takujisho)•		Baby hotels•

		Baby sitters

Chapter 6

		Chapter 5•

Chapter 4This is the general term for facilities that care for children and that have not been approved according

Chapter 7(2) Kindergarten (Yochien)		Kindergartens are school for children from age three until they start elementary school.

•		The standard time for education is four hours a day, but childcare services is available at somekindergartens until evening or night, or from early morning, depending on the circumstances of

Chapter 8•parents and guardians such as working.
		 Kindergartens focus on a children’s voluntary activity and play, unlike education afterelementary school.
•		Some kindergartens also offer consultation services related to child-rearing for parents and		Centers for early childhood education and care combine the functions of both kindergartens•		Centers for early childhood education and care can be used regardless of whether parents/

guardians work or not.
•		

They also have other functions for all households with children such as consultation activities

to help with the anxiety of parenting and providing a place where parents and children to get
together.

48

Chapter 12

and daycares.

Chapter 11(3) Center for Early Childhood Education and Care (Nintei
Kodomoen)

Chapter 10

guardians in the local community or open their schoolyard to the public.

•

Chapter 9•

4Childbirth and Parenting

4-5		For elementary school children whose parents or guardians are not at home during thedaytime for work or other reasons, after-school children’s clubs are available.
		In these clubs, after-school care workers are staffed to offer an appropriate place for playing

and spending time after classes.
•

		 In addition to after-school children’s clubs, some municipalities also offer after-school
elementary school children.

•

		Family Support Center
The Family Support Center is an organization that consists of the members described below.

		Parents who need assistance in watching infants or elementary school children

ii.		

People who want to provide assistance
Chapter 6•i.		

Examples of support are as follows.
Taking children to and from daycare facilities

ii.		

Watching children after daycare facility hours or after school		The procedure for using such support is as follows.
Contact the nearest local Family Support Center, and register to become a member.

ii.		

Apply for use of the support.

iii.		A Family Support Center advisor introduces you to a member who will provide youiv.		

Pay a fee to the person who provided assistance after the assistance.

Chapter 10

with assistance and acts as a go-between for you and that person.

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8

errands

Chapter 7i.		

iii.		 Watching children while parents or guardians go grocery shopping or run other•

Chapter 5

The Center acts as a go-between to help members support each other.

Chapter 44-6

Chapter 3

children’s classes that include different types of learning and interactive activities for all

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

After-school Children’s club (Hokagojido-club)

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

49

Education

Chapter 5

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

Education system in JapanThe Japanese education system is generally called the “6-3-3-4-year system” and consists ofsix years of elementary education, three years of junior high education, three years of high school
junior high schools. Preprimary education is given at kindergartens etc.

Chapter 4

education and four years of college education. Education is compulsory in elementary schools andChapter 3

1

Diagram of the school system in Japan

Age

3

1
4

5

6

2
7

3
8

4
9

5
10

6
11

7
12

8
13

9
14

10
15

11
16

12
17

13
18

14
19

15
20

16
21

17
22

18
23

24

Chapter 6

Correspondence Courses
Secondary School(Former Curriculum)(Latter Curriculum)
University
Graduate School
Professional
Graduate School

Chapter 7

Part-time Courses
Correspondence Courses

Chapter 5

GradeProfessional University

Center for Early
Childhood Education

Chapter 8

Professional JuniorCollege

Junior College

Elementary School
Junior High School

High School

Correspondence
Courses

Chapter 9

Professional
Training College

Kindergarten
Part-time Courses
Correspondence Courses

Compulsory Education School

Kindergarten Education
Department

Primary Education

Miscellaneous Schools

Secondary Education
Department

Higher Education
Department

Secondary Education

School for Special
Needs Education

Higher Education

Notes: (1) The gray sections are compulsory education.
(2)	Asterisks denote specialist education.
(3)	For, a special course with a minimum term of study of one year can be placed in high schools, latter curriculum of secondary schools,
universities, junior colleges, and higher education departments of schooIs for special needs education.
(4)	Centers for earty childhood education are both schools and child welfare facilities and children aged 0 to 2 years can also enroll.
(5) There are no uniform specifications for age and enrollment requirements for specialized training college general courses and miscellaneous
schools.

50

Chapter 12

Preschool Education

Primary Education
Department

Specialized Training College General Course(Latter Curriculum)

Chapter 11(Former Curriculum)

Chapter 10

Technical College
Upper Secondary
Specialized Training
School5

Education

Elementary and junior high school

Enrollment in a public elementary and/or junior high school		Parents or guardians have an obligation to send their Japanese children aged from six to 15

to elementary and junior high school.
•		Foreign children can be accepted by Japanese national or public* elementary and junior*		

At private elementary and junior high schools, textbooks are free of charge.

		Tell your local municipal office that you wish to send your children to Japanese public school.

•

		 Visit an appointed school with required documents and the Enrollment Permit forInternational Students issued by the municipal office.

•		 In Japan, besides elementary and junior high schools, there are compulsory education
schools for physically and/or mentally-challenged children.
(See 1-4 for Night Junior High School.)		High school
High schools are for those who have graduated from junior high school and wish to continue

their studies. To get enrolled in high school you have to take an entrance exam and pass it, as•		High schools are categorized into schools offering full-time courses, part-time courses andcorrespondence courses.
•

		

Chapter 8

a general rule.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

1-2

Chapter 5schools which provide compulsory education comprising grade one through nine, and special

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3high school. Tuition and textbooks are free of charge.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-1

High school graduates are entitled to apply to university.
Chapter 9•		Schools for foreign students
Besides elementary, junior high and high schools, there are various types of educational

are called “schools for foreign students.”•

		 Each school has different background of cultures, ethnicities, languages, curriculums
qualifications for those who have graduated from schools for foreign students can be found in
1-7 Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).)

The below is a website for persons related to schools for foreign students:

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kokusai/gaikoku/index.htm

51

Chapter 12

and post-graduate paths, so you should choose one suitable for your children. (Enrollment

Chapter 11

institutes for foreign students, and the facilities aimed exclusively at educating foreign children

Chapter 10

1-3

5

Education

1-4
		In Japan, there are evening classes at public junior high school for those have not completed

their compulsory education either in Japan or in their home country.
		

30 cities in 12 prefectures across Japan have 36 evening classes at public junior high schools(as of April 2021) and they accept those who have not graduated from junior high school for
any reason.
		

If you wish to get enrolled in evening classes at public junior high school near you, contact

your local Board of Education.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

Evening Class at Public Junior High School

Japanese Government Public Relations Online: To those who could not have“evening classes”?

https://www.gov-online.go.jp/useful/article/201601/1.html

		Those who have not graduated from junior high school in Japan can take this test.

•		

The test is held once a year.

•		By passing the test, you will be qualified to take an entrance exam for Japanese high schools.

Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination

		

Those who have not graduated from high school can take this test.

•		

The test is held twice a year.

•

		

If you pass it, you will be entitled for the following:
To take an entrance exams for colleges/universities, junior colleges or proffesional

training colleges in Japan.
ii.		 To take tests for employment or qualifications which entitles people who have

Chapter 11

graduated from high shools.

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

1-6

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

Lower Secondary School Equivalency Examination

Chapter 5

1-5

Chapter 4

an opportunity to study in junior high school for various reasons; Do you know

Outline (in English):

52

Chapter 12https://www.mext.go.jp/component/a_menu/education/detail/__icsFiles/
afieldfile/2019/05/13/1291562_02.pdf

5

Education

1-7

Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities)
Chapter 1

Admission to college and university		

Those who have graduated from high schools, middle schools or an accredited international

schools in Japan (http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/shikaku/07111314/003.htm) are entitledto apply for the following:ii.		

Professional and vocational universitiesiii.		

Junior colleges

iv.		

Professional and vocational Junior collegesv.		

Professional training colleges(post-secondarycourse of specialized training•		

Those who have obtained one of the following certificates will also be qualified to apply fori.		

International Baccalaureateii.		 Abitur
Baccalaureateiv.		

General Certificate of Education, Advanced-Level(See a list of accredited international Baccalaureate schools in Japan:•		Those who have completed their 12-year education and graduated from an educational

mentioned educational institutes:
WASC (The Western Association of Schools and Colleges)ii.		

CIS (Council of International Schools)iii.		ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)		

There are other institutes for higher education in Japan as follows and each has its own

application requisites:i.		

Graduate schools mainly for postgraduatesii.		

Professional and vocational universities mainly for postgraduatesiii.		

Colleges of Technology mainly for junior-high graduates

53

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Other institutes for higher education

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9

institute that is certified by any of the following groups are also entitled to apply for the above-

Chapter 8

https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/ib-japan/authorization/)

Chapter 7iii.		

Chapter 6

the above-mentioned educational institutes:

Chapter 5colleges), etc.

Chapter 4

Colleges and universities

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2•

5

Education•

Entrance exam to higher educational institutes

		 To get enrolled in a higher education institute, you have to pass an entrance exam or
document screening.
		Some institutes offer special assessments for foreign applicants.

•

		 The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU),
operated by the Japan Student Services Organization, is employed by many colleges and

The below is a website for foreign nationals:

Chapter 3

universities as a special evaluation reference for international students.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-8

https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/index.html
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1254

5

Education

Financial support for the education
costs

		

There is a system that offersassistance for the expense of school supplies such as uniforms,

school bags, stationery and school lunches.
•		

Low-income parents whose children go to elementary or junior high school are eligible for		

The requirements for the assistance and the amount to be paid vary on the municipality inwhich the applicant resides.

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/career/05010502/017.htm

		 High-school students whose annual household income is less than
9,100,000 yen, can receive financial aid to cover the expense of high•		Students who go to national or public high school are eligible to receive

financial aid equal to the amount of the tuition.
		

The amount of the aid for private high-school students varies depending on their householdincome.
		

In order to receive the aid, an application form must be submitted.

•

		

Details will be announced by the school you attend.

For further information on this system, please visit:https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1342674.htm

55

Chapter 12https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2020/04/30/
100014428_2.pdf

Chapter 11

If you want to read it in English:

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8school tuition.

Chapter 7•

High School Tuition Support Fund

Chapter 62-2

Chapter 5

For further information on this system, please visit:

Chapter 4

this assistance.
•

Chapter 3•

Financial support for elementary and junior high students

Chapter 2

2-1

Chapter 12

5

Education

2-3
		

Low-income parents whose children go to high school can receive benefits to cover the

expense other than tuition fees, such as the expense of textbooks and school supplies.
		

The amount of the benefits differs in the kind of schools students attend.

•		

In order to receive the benefits, you have to apply for an application form must be submitted.

•

		

Details will be announced by the school your child attends.

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1344089.htm

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/
20210128-mxt_shuugaku_1344089_3.pdf

		Scholarships are provided by the Japanese government,

local governments and private foundations.
		

National scholarships consist of two types:i.		

Grant type: you do not need to pay it backii.		

Student loan type: you have to repay it after graduation•

		Some student-loan type scholarships have interest charges while others don’t.

Those who continue with higher education and have one of the following status of residence
Special Permanent Resident

ii.		

Permanent Resident

iii.		

Spouse or child of Japanese national

iv.		

Spouse or child of Permanent Residentv.		

Long-Term Resident (who intend to live in Japan•		

There are also grant-type scholarships for those whose status of residence is “Student” andThe below is a website for foreign nationals:

https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/scholarship_j/shoreihi/index.html

56

Chapter 12

have satisfied the academic requirements.

Chapter 11

permanently)

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9

are eligible for the scholarships offered by the Japanese government:

Chapter 8*		Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students

Chapter 5

2-4Chapter 4

If you want to read in English:

Chapter 3

For further information on this system, please visit:

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund

5

Education

Learning Japanese
Knowing Japanese will make your life easier in Japan. You

Chapter 1

3

can get to know others and make friends with them. They may
your dreams. In order to be yourself in Japan, it is strongly
recommended that you keep studying Japanese.

		 Japanese language uses five types of characters: hiragana, katakana, kanji, and English
letters (romaji) and numbers. Both Hiragana and Katakana have 46 characters each and those

Chapter 4•

About the Japanese language

Chapter 3

3-1

Chapter 2

help you when you need any help. You may be able to fulfill

written in smaller versions (four characters for Hiragana and nine characters for Katakana). The•		

are also used.

Kanji are helpful once you memorize them. Some may look complicated. Start by learning

the simple ones.
		

Learn about romaji as well, which is often used when you type or text for mails and social

media
•

		

If you live in Japan, it is very important to know the names of local places and streets byimportant role in your community life. You can learn these dialects at Japanese classes in yourarea and through communication with local residents.
		

There are forms of polite speech in Japanese. It would be better if you become able to use

polite Japanese depending on who you are speaking to.

•“Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education” was newly established in 2021 to		make learning Japanese easier for you, with reference to CEFR (Common European Frameworkof Reference for Languages; Learning, teaching, assessment).
		 This describes learning contents and action targets according to six levels of Japanese
language (A1 to C2) and Japanese language proficiency (“listening,” “reading,” “speaking(interaction),” “speaking (expression),” and “writing”).
		Please use it as a reference to check your Japanese language level and to study setting thenext goal.

57

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education

Chapter 93-2

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

reading and writing characters such as Kanji. Japanese also has many dialects and they have an

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

special symbols

5

Education

herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades ofmeaning even in the most complex situations.

Chapter 1

C2

Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can express him/

Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social,academic and professional purposes.

B2

topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact
with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with proficient

B1

Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar mattersregularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can produce simple connected

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of
most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring asimple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.

aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can interact in a simple way
provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Chapter 8

3-3

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases

Where to learn

information and make friends at the same time. Find a language school or lesson near you.
such as Skype or E-learning. Find the method that is suitable for you.

		 There are courses with different purposes: to prepare for school study, for work, or to
prepare for exams
		

There are classes for beginners through advanced learners.

•

		

You can choose to learn in a group or in a private class.

•		You have to pay for the classes.

58

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11(1) Japanese language school

Chapter 10

Nowadays an increasing number of learners choose distance learning through social media

Chapter 9

By attending Japanese classes, you can not only study the language, but also exchange•

Chapter 7

A1

Chapter 6

A2

Chapter 5

text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.

Chapter 4

speakers of Japanese quite possible without strain for either party.

Chapter 3

Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract

Chapter 2

C1

meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious

5

Education(2) Japanese classes in local communities
Japanese classes are organized by local governments, international associations, or NPOs.

•		Classes are held in community centers, schools, churches or volunteer centers.

•		

Teachers are volunteers in many cases.

•		Some classes are free of charge. They are more economical than studying at a language

school.
•		

Chapter 2		Chapter 1•

Generally, classes are held once or twice a week for one to two hours.

Japanese classes organized in the region:* Check the following when you search for Japanese classes:
languages ⑦course period ⑧number of sessions ⑨timetable (day and time) ⑩qualification

Chapter 5①Name of the class ②organizer ③venue ④contact number ⑤how to contact ⑥supported

Chapter 4

https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/kokugo_nihongo/kyoiku/nihongokyoiku_tanto/
pdf/93036701_01.pdf

Chapter 3

The below is a list of responsible departments for Japanese language education in each region andfor application ⑪cost ⑫ class type (group or private) ⑬number of students ⑭level ⑮who

If you are too busy to go to language school because of working or parenting, you can study
Japanese online using SNS or E-learning. There are various version of tuitions and services, so findWebsite for Japanese learners: “Connect andEnhance Your Life in Japanese” (known as Tsunahiro)

Chapter 93-4Chapter 8

the one that is most suitable for you.

Chapter 7(3) Online classes, distance learning

Chapter 6teaches ⑯what to learn ⑰availability of parking, baby-sitting services, etc.

This website is for foreign nationals who live in Japan to learn Japanese, aiming to communicate
You can choose learning contents in videos and scripts based on your Japanese level, thesituation and keywords that interest you. Study and use Japanese to connect with society and

Available languages:	Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified), Portuguese, Spanish,Thai, Burmese, and Mongolian (14 languages)
Situations for learning:	Scenes from daily life such as greeting people, shopping, using a bank,using a train, going to a municipal office, and preparing for disasterand emergency“Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese”:

https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/

59

Chapter 12

Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pilipino, Nepali, Khmer (Cambodian), Korean,

Chapter 11

broaden life’s possibilities.

Chapter 10

in Japanese or use Japanese in daily life.

Chapter 6

Medical Services
Chapter 1•		Types of medical institutions
There are a variety of medical institutions in Japan and each one has its own role. If your

medical concern is not severe, visit a local clinic.

ii.		

Middle-scale hospital: For surgeries, hospitalization and emergency careiii.		

Large-scale hospital: For critical emergencies and advanced medical treatment

Present your health insurance card at the hospital or clinic, or otherwise you will cover the

Chapter 6		Doctor’s offices, clinics: For treatment of mild symptoms and slight injuries.

Chapter 5•i.		

Chapter 4

1-1

Chapter 3

Medical institutions

Chapter 2

1full amount of medical expenses.
		

Find a doctor depends on your symptoms of illness or injuries. Here are some examples:
Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs

Medicine(digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary organs, blood, endocrine,
nerves, etc.) mainly with medication without operations. You can also seethem when you catch a cold or have general health problems
Surgical treatments mainly by oerations for internal organs damaged bycancer and injuries
Treatment of children’s illness

Orthopedics

Treatment of the locomotive systems such as bones, joints, muscles,
tendons and its related nerves
Diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders
Treatment of teeth; endodontics, orthodontics, etc.

Obstetrics

Treatment of pregnancy, childbirth, newborns and related disorders etc.

60

Chapter 12

Dentistry

Chapter 11

Ophthalmology

Chapter 10

Pediatrics

Chapter 9

Surgery.

Chapter 8Internal

Chapter 7•

6

Medical Services

1-2		You can search for one using any of the following:
Municipal newsletters issued by the municipal office in your areaii.		 Online
iii.		In addition, you can also search for medical institutions (hub medical institutions and other medical facilities

that can accept foreign patients, selected by prefectures) in foreign languages on the website of the Japan National
Tourism Organization (JNTO) for foreign travelers visiting Japan.

•		

It is also possible to consult at the following:
The municipal office in your areaii.		

A Medical Safety Support Center (*)*		Medical Safety Support Centers are located in about 390 in prefectures, municipalities with public health centers
Chapter 6

and wards in Tokyo.

See the following URL for details:		

If you do not speak Japanese, you can consult at the following:
The municipal office in your areaii.		

International associations near you

iii.		

NPOs (they may speak your language)

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 7

https://www.anzen-shien.jp/center/•

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/jpn/mi_guide.html

Chapter 3*		Medical Information Net, which is provided online by your prefectural government

Chapter 2i.		

Chapter 1•

How to find medical institution

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12616Medical Services

Medical Insurance
No matter where you are from, you are obliged to enroll in public medical insurance in Japan.

Chapter 1

2This is a Japanese social system to guarantee that any resident can equally receives medical

Chapter 3

2-1

Health Insurance

Those who work for a company which is obliged to have their employees enroll in the healthi.		

Regular employees, chief executives, board of directors

ii.		

Those who fulfill all of the following:		

who work during office hours for over 20 hours a week;•		

who are expected to work for more than a year for thecompany;		

who earn more than 88,000 yen a month;•		

who are not students; and•		

who work for a company with more than 501 employees.

for less than 30 hours a week but work over three fourths of
the weekly labour hours of a regular employee at the same

Chapter 9company (work place)

As a rule, both the companies (employers) and the insured pay half of the health insurance
premiums. Dependents of the insured do not need to pay premiums.

Chapter 11(3) Benefits

The copayment ratio of medical expenses for the insured is as follows:•		

Preschool infants under six years old........... 20%•

		

School-age children through adults up to

69 years old............................................................ 30%
Adults aged 70 to 74 years old...................... 20% (Wage-earners at their pre-retirement
income level: 30%)62

Chapter 12

Copayment of medical expenses

		

Chapter 10(2) Insurance premiums•

Chapter 8

Those who work as a part-time worker or a temporary staff

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

insurance and are obliged to enroll in the health insurance:

Chapter 4(1) Enrollment Requirements

iii.		

Chapter 2

services at a high standard at low cost by sharing the cost across the whole of society.

6

Medical Services

Medical expenses

When you have just been employed by a company and not received an insurance card yet;•		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;•		 When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion or massage which your doctor
deems medically necessary; or•		When you have received medical services outside of Japan.

High-cost medical care expenses•

		 The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness whichis the cause of the transportation;•		It was an emergency and unavoidable.

Accident and Sickness Allowance

The duration of payment will be onward for up to 18 months in total counting from the firstday of payment.

This is a benefit for an insured or his dependent to help cover expenses related to childbirth.
As a general rule, the allowance per child is 420,000 yen.

Family Medical Expenses
If the dependents of an insured get ill or injured, the insured will be eligible to receive Family
Medical Expenses. The range, measure and duration of the payment are the same as that ofMedical Expenses for the insured.

63

Chapter 12

An insured of health insurance will be eligible to receive Maternity Leave Allowance when she
takes leave for give birth. The allowance is paid for the days the insured is away from work during
a period starting 42 days (98 days in the case of multiple pregnancies) before the estimateddelivery day and 56 days afterward.

Chapter 11

Maternity Leave Allowance

Chapter 10

Childbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant

Chapter 9

When the insured is unable to work due to illness or injury and have been absent from work forthree consecutive days, accident and sickness allowance will be paid from the fourth day of absence.

Chapter 8		Chapter 7

You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred to;•

Chapter 6

If a patient has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to atemporary and emergency need as instructed by a doctor, he/she will be eligible for reimbursementof his/her medical transportation expenses in cash in cases where the following requirements are
fulfilled:

Chapter 5

Medical transportation expenses

Chapter 4

The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the total
amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications (except
the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, the over-thelimit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with age (whether the
insured is under 70 years old or not) and the income level of the insured.

Chapter 3		Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by
yourself; however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible forreimbursement of the expenses minus your copayment:

6

Medical Services

2-2

National Health Insurance
Chapter 1(1) Enrollment requirements		All registered residents who are under 75 and are not in Employees’ Health Insurance are

obliged to get enrolled in National Health Insurance.
•		 Foreign nationals are obliged to join National Health Insurance

The period of stay is less than three months (*);

ii.		

The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”;

iii.		The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“to receive medical treatment” or “to provide everyday assistance for someone who is

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3

except in the following cases:

Chapter 2•

engaged in the activities meantioned above”;
The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”;
The status of residence is “Diplomat”;

vi.		

Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; orvii.		

Persons who are from a country with which the Japanese government has a social

security agreement with including health insurance, and have an official certificate
their home country.
Even if your period of stay is shorter than three months, you can join the National Health Insurance if your statusof residence is one of the following and if you have any document to certify that your stay will be longer than threemonths:		“Entertainer”•

		”Technical Intern Training”•

		“Dependent”•

		Designated Activities (except iii. and iv. above)

area. Ask the municipal office for more details.
(*) You must withdraw from National Health Insurance in the following cases:
When you move to a different municipality; orii.		

When you join Employee’s Health Insurance.

64

Chapter 12i.		

Chapter 11

You can join in or withdraw from National Health Insurance at the municipal office in your

Chapter 10(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8*		Chapter 7

issued by the government to show their membership of the social insurance system in

Chapter 6v.		

Chapter 5

iv.		

6

Medical Services(3) Insurance premiums
the insured’s income or the number of the household. This amount is paid by the head of the

Chapter 1

Insurance premiums are calculated on a per-household basis and decided according tohousehold.
at the municipal office in your area.

Chapter 3(4) Benefits
Copayment of medical expenses•

		

Preschool infants under six years old........... 20%•

		

School-age children through adults up to		Adults aged 70 to 74 years old...................... 20% (Wage-earners at their preretirement
income level: 30%)

In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses byreimbursement of the expenses minus your copayment:		When you have just been employed by a company and not yet received an insurance card;•		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;•		When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion and massage which your doctor

deems medically necessary; or		When you have had medical services outside of Japan.

High-cost medical care expenses
amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications (except
the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, the over-thelimit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with age (whether the

Chapter 11

insured is under 70 years old or not) and the income level of the insured.

Chapter 10

The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the total

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

yourself; however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible for

Chapter 6

Medical expenses

Chapter 5

69 years old............................................................ 30%

Chapter 4

The copayment ratio of medical expenses for an insured is as follows:•

Chapter 2*		 Insurance premiums may be reduced in accordance with income and other circumstances. Ask for further information

Chapter 12656Medical Services

Medical transportation expenses
temporary and emergency need as instructed by a doctor, he/she will be eligible for reimbursementof his/her medical transportation expenses in cash in cases where the following requirements are•		You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferredto;		The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness whichis the cause of the transportation;•		It was an emergency and unavoidable.

This is a benefit for an insured or his dependent to help cover expenses related to childbirth.
As a general rule, the allowance per child is 420,000 yen.

Chapter 4Childbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

fulfilled:

Chapter 1

If a patient has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to a

Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1266

6Medical Services

2-3

Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter Stage of Life
Chapter 1(1) Enrollment Requirements

Chapter 2

When you become 75 years of age•

		All registered residents in Japan aged 75 years or older must join the•		Those who are between 65 and 74 years old and have been approved

as having certain disabilities can also join this program.
		You have to withdraw from other insurance programs (National Health Insurance, Health

Insurance Associations, Japan Health Insurance Association, or Mutual Aid Association, etc.)•		All foreign nationals aged 75 years or older, except in the following cases, must join thisThe period of stay is less than three months (*);

ii.		

The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”;

iii.		The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“to receive medical treatment” or “to provide everyday assistance for someone who is

Chapter 6i.		

Chapter 5

program as well:

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter Stage of Life.

engaged in the activities meantioned above”;
The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”;
The status of residence is “Diplomat”;

vi.		

Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; orvii.		

Persons who are from a country with which the Japanese government has a social

Chapter 8v.		

Chapter 7iv.		

security agreement including health insurance, and have an official certificate issued bycountry.
Even if your period of stay is shorter than three months, you can join the program if your status of residence is

one of the following and if you have any document to certify that your stay will be longer than three months:

		“Entertainer”•

		“Technical Intern Training”•

		“Dependent”•

		“Designated Activities” (except iii. and iv. above)Your application can be submitted at the municipal office in your area. Ask the municipal
office for more details. Those who move to another municipality in another prefecture should
withdraw from this program.

67

Chapter 12(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10*		Chapter 9

the government to show their membership of the social insurance system in their home

6

Medical Services(3) Insurance Premiums
There are cases in which the premiums are reduced for dependents in the employees’ health

Chapter 1

Insurance premiums are the total amount of per-capita base and income-base charges.
insurance or for the insured in accordance with their income level and life status. Ask for more

Chapter 2

details at the municipal office in your area.

(4) Benefits

Chapter 3

Copayment of medical expenses
10%. However, if you have an income at a preretirement level, your portion is 30%.

Medical expenses
yourself; however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible forreimbursement of the expenses minus your copayment:		When you have just been employed by a company and not yet received aninsurance card;		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;•		When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion and massage which your doctor

deems medically necessary; or•		When you have had medical services outside of Japan.

The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the(except the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, theover-the-limit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with the income

Chapter 9

total amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications

Chapter 8

High-cost medical care expenses

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by

Chapter 4

When you receive medical treatment under the insurance coverage, your copayment ratio islevel of the insured.

If a patient has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to an
expenses in cash in cases where the following requirements are fulfilled:•		You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred•		The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness whichis the cause of the transportation;•		It was an emergency and unavoidable.

68

Chapter 12

to;Chapter 11

instruction by a doctor, he/she will be eligible for reimbursement of his/her medical transportation

Chapter 10

Medical transportation expenses

6

Medical Services

Medicine		Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores.

•		Medicine is often used to cure diseases and injuries. However, bear in mind that any medicine

has side effects and that it should be handled with care.
•		

If you have any questions about any medicine, consult a pharmacist or a registered drug*		Pharmacies
A pharmacy is a shop where pharmacists prepare and compound prescription medications

Drugstores
OTC drugs are available at drug stores. However, prescription medications cannot be preparedat drugstores.

Chapter 6

3-2

Chapter 5

for you. OTC drugs are also available.

Chapter 4

3-1

A registered drug seller offers some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as well.

Chapter 3

seller at the drugstore.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

3

Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1269

Chapter 2

PensionThe Japanese public pension is a system to provide lifetime social security through mutual

Chapter 3

1

Chapter 1

Pension andWelfareChapter 7

generational support.
to pension benefits of people such as the elderly.

20

Persons who have paid fewer
than 40 years of contributions
can enroll.

60

Chapter 6

As a rule, all registered residents
aged between 20 and 59 are
obliged to enroll in a public
pension insurance system.

Chapter 5

Scheme for Old-age Basic Pension and Old-age Employees’ Pension

Chapter 4

The system is run with the scheme in which contributions paid by working generations goes

65
Chapter 7

Contributions paying
National Pension

Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Eligible employees are obliged toenroll Employees’ Pension Insurance.
The pension amount they will receive
is higher than they only enroll the
National Pension

Chapter 8

Receiving Pension
Employees’ Pension Insurance(Until you stop working)

Chapter 11
Chapter 1270

7Pension and Welfare

1-1

National Pension

59 years who reside in Japan are to enroll.

Chapter 2(1) How to enroll the system

Category I insured persons•

		Persons who are not in Category II or III, such as those who are self-employed,

•
ii.		

		

Applications to enroll should be filed at the municipal office in your area.

Category II insured persons
		Persons who have already enrolled in Employees’ Pension Insurance system orare categorized in Category II.
•		Applications to enroll should be taken care of by the company which employsiii.		

Category III insured persons
		

Dependents of Category II insured persons are categorized in Category III.

•		

Applications to enroll are taken care of by the company where your spouse (inNational Pension Category II) works.
Dependents of Category I insured persons are not categorized in Category III.

*		

Dependent spouses married to persons over 65 years old in Employees’ Pension Insurance system who receive

pension benefits are not categorized in Category III, either.

•		Contributions for those of Category I are flat. Those in Category II and III are exempted from•		

Contributions for those of Category I can be paid in cash when you receive a payment notice,by bank transfer, or with a credit card.
		

A discount is applied if the full amount is paid in advance.

•		

Exemption from payment or contributions postponement options are available if you havedifficulties paying contributions if your income has reduced or you have lost your job.
		For more details, please contact your municipal government or a Japan Pension Service(JPS) branch near you.

71

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

payments of National Pension contributions.

Chapter 9(2) Contributions

Chapter 8*		Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

you.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

students, etc. are categorized in Category I.

Chapter 3

The insured (participants) are categorized according to their status as follows:i.		

Chapter 1

The Japanese National Pension system is a public pension system in which those aged 20 to7Pension and Welfare(3) Benefits•		Persons who have paid contributions for at least 10 years are eligible to receive the Old-age•

		The benefit amount is calculated in accordance with the period during which the insured

has paid contributions.
		

Persons who have paid contributions for 40 years from 20 to 59 years of age can receive thefull amount of pension benefits.
*		The period of time during which the contributions have not been paid cannot be included in the qualifying period*		The pension benefit amount to be paid to persons who have been exempted from the contributions payment fora period of time will be calculated in accordance with the type of such exemption and the basic pension expenditure

Chapter 4

for benefits.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

Basic Pension when the insured attains 65 years of age.

Chapter 1

Old-age Basic Pension

ratio in the National Treasury.

•		Persons who fulfill all of the following are eligible to receive the Disability Basic Pension:
A disability has been caused by illness or injuries;ii.		 The first doctor consultation about the illness or injuries which have eventuallycaused the disability in question was carried out while the insured had been covered byiii.		

Contribution payment requirements had been fulfilled as of the day before the dayof the first doctor consultation.
		

There are two grades of disabilities.

•		

Benefit amount varies from the grade.

ii.		

Disability Grade 2 → Full amount of Old-age Basic Pension

If you have a Child, no matter which grade he/she corresponds to, an additional amount is

paid.

Survivors' Basic Pension
		A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who satisfies the following conditions is eligible toreceive Survivors’ Basic Pension.
→ A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who depended economically on the deceasedi.		 At the moment when an insured or ex-insured died, he/she had satisfied thecontribution payment requirements.
ii.		

At the moment when an insured who had been qualified for Old-age Basic Pension

for 25 years or more died,a “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child”.

72

Chapter 12

insured satisfies i or ii below.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10		Disability Grade 1 → Full amount of Old-age Basic Pension × 1.25

Chapter 9•i.		

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

the National Pension system; andChapter 6i.		

Chapter 5

Disability Basic Pension

7

Pension and Welfare•		

The amount of Survivors’ Basic Pension is the same as that for the full Basic Pension benefit.

Who is a “Child”?
two conditions:		

Under 18 years,and 18 years old until first 31st March after his/her birthday; or•		Under 20 years old with Disability Grade 1 or 2.

•

		

If an insured has paid contributions as a Category I insured person for more than 36 months

Chapter 4

Lump-sum Death Benefit

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

The term “Child” refers to a child or young unmarried person who fulfills following

Chapter 1

An additional amount will be paid if you have a Child.

and has not yet received any benefits, a family member can receive the Lump-sum Death•		The benefit amount varies depending on the length of the contribution-paid period andcontribution-exempted period.

•		This is a benefit for a widow whose husband has died after contributing to the pension

been financially supported by him and married to him at least for 10 years by the time of hisdeath. The Widow’s Pension will be paid from 60 to 65 years old.
		

The amount of the pension is 3/4 of the Old-age Basic Pension calculated based only on the

period in which the insured husband had been categorized in Category I.

Employees’ Pension Insurance system
Employees who work for employers who are responsible to enroll their employees inInsurance by satisfying the enrollment requirements. (The requirements for employers andemployees are the same as those in Health Insurance.)
Pension system.

•

		Persons who are under 70 years old and work for employers who are responsible to enroll

their employees in appropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems and fulfill
the enrollment requirements, are to enroll Employees’ Pension Insurance.

* Employers
The following employers have a responsibility to enroll their employees in the appropriate
employees' health and pension insurance systems:

73

Chapter 12(1) Eligible members

Chapter 11

Employees who are not eligible for Employees’ Pension Insurance are to enroll in the National

Chapter 10

appropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems will enroll Employees’ Pension

Chapter 9

1-2

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

system at least for 10 years as a Category I insured person. However, said widow must have

Chapter 6

Widow's Pension

Chapter 5

Benefit.

7

Pension and Welfarei.		 Corporations;industries and that have five or more employees; oriii.		

Voluntary applicable businesses based on a labor-management agreement.

Chapter 2(2) Contributions
		Co-payment Contributions are calculated as follows:
Monthly salary (monthly average remuneration) × Contribution
÷2*		 The employee and the company each pay half of the contributions for Employees’ Pension Insurance.

Chapter 5(3) Benefits		

If an insured person in Employees’ Pension Insurance system has a coverage period of atleast 10 years, Old-age Employees’ Pension benefit can be received.
		

The amount of the pension varies in accordance with the insured persons’ monthly salary(monthly average remuneration) when paying contributions and the contribution-paid period,
etc.
qualifications.

Disability Employees’ Pension
		Persons who fulfill all of the following can receive Disability Employees’ Pension:i.		 The first doctor consultation about the illness or injury which have eventually
Employees’ Pension Insurance;
Disabilities have been caused by illness or injuries; andiii.		

Contribution payment qualifications are fulfilled as of the day before the day of thefirst doctor consultation.
		

There are three grades of disability.

•		

Benefit amount varies according to the grade.
i.		

Disability Grade 1 → Old-age Employees’ Pension amount × 1.25

ii.		

Disability Grade 2 and 3 → The same amount as the Old-age Employees’ Pension*		A minimum benefit amount is reserved for Disability Grade 3. Guaranteed minimum benefit = Disability Grade 2

Disability Basic Pension amount ×3/4

Even if your disabilities are not approved for Disability Employees’ Pension, you may be able
to receive benefits for persons with disabilities.

74

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10

caused the disability in question was carried out while an insured had been covered by

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8*		 It is possible to receive Old-age Employees’ Pension before your 65th birthday if you meet the contribution payment

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

Old-age Employees’ Pension•

Chapter 4

rate ÷2 + bonus (standard bonus amount) × Contribution rate

Chapter 3•

Chapter 1

ii.		 Private entities except those in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and service

7

Pension and Welfare

Survivors’ Employees’ Pension		Survivor dependents of an insured decedent who fulfill any of the following are eligible toreceive Survivor’s Employees’ Pension:
If the insured fulfills contribution payment qualifications and when he/she has died;ii.		

If the insured fulfills contribution payment qualifications and when he/she has diedwithin five years from the first doctor consultation on the illness or injuries he/she had
been suffered from while he/she had been covered by Employees’ Pension Insurance;
When an insured or ex-insured who has the valid coverage period for Old-age Basic

Pension over 25 years has died; oriv.		

When an insured who was eligible to receive Disability Grade 1 or 2 Employee’s•		Survivors’ pension amount is 3/4 of the Old-age Employees’ Pension that the insured would

Chapter 5

receive.

Who is a “Survivor”?

Spouse (In case of a husband, he must be over 55 years. He

can receive a pension from 60 years old.)Child (as defined in the National Pension system)

3.		

Parents (Over 55 years old. They can receive a pension from60 years old.)Grandchildren (the same conditions as the Children are

applicable)
5.		

Grandparents (Over 55 years old. They can receive a pension from 60 years old.)*		

Parents, Grandchildren and Grandparents can receive the benefit according to the priority ranking.

Chapter 9*		 If a husband is qualified for the Survivors’ Basic Pension, he can receive Survivor Employees’ Pension from 55
years old.

Chapter 8

4.		

Chapter 7

2.		

Chapter 6

A “Survivor” is defined as any of the following:
1.		

Chapter 4

Pension died.

Chapter 3iii.		

Chapter 2i.		

Chapter 1•

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1275

7Pension and Welfare

1-3

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments
Chapter 1

Eligibility
all conditions as follows:
1.		

You do not have Japanese nationality.

Your total insured periods for the EPI or the NP are less than 10 years;

4.		

You no longer have a registered address in Japan;

5.		

You are no longer covered by the EPI and the NP;

7.		

Within 2 years after the date you no longer have a registered address in Japan.

Before applying for Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (LWP), please read through thefollowing notes:

An application form for LWP is downloadable at the JPS (Japan Pension Service) website. Please also

read the notes on the application form carefully.

If your insured periods is only in and before March 2021:
If your insured periods includes in and after April 2021.
It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 5 years (60 months).
Further, if you are going to stay in Japan for several times, with your insured periods
expected to be the maximum number of years or more in total, and plan to receive yourLWP to be calculated based on the whole length of your insured periods, you might needto claim LWP every time you move out of Japan.

76

Chapter 12

It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 3 years (36 months).

Chapter 114.		 The amount of payment of LWP will be calculated based on your insured periods
up to a certain number of years. This maximum number of years was raised from April
2021. Specifically, the maximum number of years according to your insured periods is
as follows:

Chapter 10

3.		 In case you submit your application while you are still in Japan before you move toanother country, please submit your application so that it arrives at the JPS after the
move-out (planned) date on the residence certificate.

Chapter 92.		 If you still have a registered address in Japan on the day when the JPS receives yourapplication, your application will be rejected. Please submit a move-out notice to themunicipal office where you live before you apply for LWP.

Chapter 8*		Chapter 7

1.		 When you apply for LWP, all your insured periods in the past shall be used as the baseto calculate your LWP amount. Once LWP are entitled to you, these insured periods will
no longer be valid. Therefore, please carefully consider before claiming LWP.

Chapter 6

Important notes for the application

Chapter 56.		 You have never been entitled to Japanese public pension benefits including Disability
Allowance.

Chapter 4

3.		

Chapter 3

2.		 You have been insured under the Employees’ Pension Insurance (EPI) or the National
Pension (NP) for six months or more;

Chapter 2

You may claim Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (LWP) when you leave Japan if you satisfy

7

Pension and Welfare

Visit the following JPS website for more details about Lump-sum Withdrawal

https://www.nenkin.go.jp/service/jukyu/todoke/kyotsu/20150406.html

Chapter 1

Payments and the application form including mailing address.

Chapter 2

Social Security Agreement
Japan has concluded Social Security Agreements with several countries. If you have insured periods
a benefit(s) from Japan or/and the other country, even if your insured periods ofeach country is insufficient for the entitlement, by totalizing the insured periods

See the list of contracting countries of the Agreements on the website of the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare.

Chapter 4of both countries.

Chapter 3of a country that has a totalization agreement with Japan, you may be entitled to

Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1277

7Pension and Welfare

Long-Term Care Insurance
In Japan, there is a Long-Term Care Insurance system where the whole ofpremiums and when they need long-term care, they can use the long-termcare service by paying their co-payment.

Chapter 3

2-1

Eligibility

to get enrolled in the system.

The insured in this system pay a premium calculated in accordance with their income in the

Chapter 5

Premiums

Chapter 4

Persons who are over 40 years old and who will reside in Japan longer than three months have

2-2

Chapter 2society supports the elderly who need long-term care, etc. The insured pay

Chapter 12previous year. The amount of premium varies not only from the income but also from the age of
1.		

Over 65 years old member (Primary insured persons)in cash when you receive a payment notice.)

2.		

Over 40 and under 65 years old member (Secondary insured persons)See the following URL for details about the Long-Term Care Insurance system

Chapter 8

The premium will be deducted together with that for medical insurance.

Chapter 7

As a general rule, the premium is deducted from your pension. (You should pay

Chapter 6

the insured and the area they lives in.

(Secondary insured persons):

Long-Term Care service
The process for using the long-term care service:
Apply for a certificate for Long-Term Care/Support Need at the municipal office inyour area. Your application needs to be approved.
*		You need to be certified for long-term care/support services.

*		

Once you apply, your physical and mental conditions will be checked and you will be notified of the resultii.		

Request the Care Plan from a Care Manager or a Community General Support Centerin your area.
*		

iii.		

If you are going to move into a long-term care facility, apply to the facility directly.

Service is provided according to the Care Plan.

*		Long-term preventive care and life support services are available for persons who are not certified forlong-term care. Ask at your municipal office for further information.

78

Chapter 12

generally within 30 days.

Chapter 11i.		

Chapter 10

2-3

Chapter 9https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_10548.html

7

Pension and Welfare

3-1

Child Allowance

Chapter 2

Child Welfare

Chapter 13

3-2Child Rearing allowance		This is a benefit for Children (*) in single-parent household.

•		Persons who are in custody of Children as listed below can receive the allowance:ii.		

Children whose father or mother has died;iii.		

Children whose father or mother has disabilities of a particular grade; oriv.		

Children for whom it is not clear whether their father or mother is alive or dead.

*		 ”Children” means persons who are under 18 years old or younger until the first 31st March after their 18th

Monthly allowance•		First child/Where you have one childIn full: 43,160 yen Partial payment: from 43,150 to 10,180 yen		Additional amount for the second child and subsequent children[Second child]In full: 10,190 yen Partial payment: from 10,180 to 5,100 yen
In full: 6,110 yen Partial payment: From 6,100 to 3,060 yen*		 The benefit amount varies from year to year depending on the inflation rate. Those whose income in the previous
allowance will only be paid partially, or will not be paid. For further information, ask at the municipal office in yourarea.

Chapter 11

year had reached a certain standard are not eligible to receive it. When you receive a public pension, etc., theChapter 10[Per child including the third and subsequent children]

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8* In FY2021

Chapter 7birthday, or persons who are under 20 with certain disabilities.

Chapter 6

Children whose parents are divorced;

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

See Chapter 4-3, Article 3-4

Chapter 1279

7Pension and Welfare

Parents and guardians who raise children who are under 20 years old and have physical or*		

If the income of the parents in the previous year reached a certain level, they will not be eligible to receive theallowance. For further information, ask at the municipal office in your area.

* In FY2021 (the amount varies every year in linked with prices)		

In case of children with extremely severe disabilities (equivalent to Disability Grade 1 for thebasic pension)
Per child 52,500 yen/month		

In case of children with severe disabilities (equivalent to Disabilities Grade 2 for the basic

pension)Per child 34,970 yen/month

Severe Disability Premium

need consistent nursing care are eligible to receive this premium.
*		

If a qualified person had an income at a certain level in the previous year, such person will not be eligible toBenefit amount

Chapter 9* In FY2021 (the amount varies every year linked to retail prices): 14,880 yen/month

Chapter 8

receive the premium. Contact your municipal office for more details.

Chapter 7

Children and young persons under 20 who have severe physical or mental disabilities andChapter 6

3-4

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Benefit amount

Chapter 2

mental disabilities in households are eligible for this allowance.

Chapter 1

Special Child Rearing Allowance (for parents ofchildren with disabilities)

3-3

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1280

7Pension and Welfare

Welfare for persons with disabilities
Certification for Persons with Disabilities
If a person has physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, a Certification for Persons withcertification, a tax reduction and discounts on transportation fares are applied.

		Physical disability certificate: for persons who have permanent physical disabilities•		Intellectual disability certificate: for persons who have intellectual disabilities•		

Mental disability certificate: for those have mental disabilities which cause them difficulties

and limitations in social life
See the following URL for details:*		

Public services for persons and children with disabilities

training, are available for persons with disabilities.
Nursing and development support are also available for children and
For further information on public services for persons with disabilities,
contact your municipal office.

Chapter 9

young persons with disabilities.

Chapter 8

Various types of public services, such as nursing and rehabilitation

Chapter 7

4-2

For consultation, please contact your nearest municipal office.

Chapter 6https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/shougaishahukushi/
techou.html

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

Types of Certification for Persons with Disabilities

Chapter 3

Disabilities is issued according to the grade of his or her disability as a certificate. With this

Chapter 2

4-1

Chapter 1

4

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1281

7Pension and Welfare

Public AssistanceUpon meeting the requirements indicated in 5-1, if a household’s income does not reach theincome and the standard.
*		

The minimum standard of living is determined by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.

•		Persons whose status of residence does not have any limitations on their activities in Japan:

Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent
For more details, please consult the municipal office in your area.

Requirements for Public Assistance(1) Utilizing Assets
living expenses.

Chapter 6

If you have any savings or land/buildings that are not in use, turn them into cash to cover your

Chapter 5

5-1

Chapter 4

Resident, Long-Term Resident

Chapter 3

Foreign nationals who fulfill the following condition may be eligible for the assistance:

Chapter 2

minimum standard of living, public support may be given to bridge the difference between the

Chapter 1

5

Chapter 7(2) Utilizing Skills
If you can work, make the best of your skills.

Chapter 8(3) Other Allowances(4) Support from family members

Chapter 10

If you can get financial support from any of your relatives, receive the support.

Chapter 9

If you are eligible for pensions and/or any allowances, apply for them.

Chapter 11
Chapter 1282

7Pension and Welfare

5-2

Types of assistanceType ofassistanceLivelihood

clothing and utilities

assistance

Rent for apartment

supplies, etc. for compulsory

Education
assistance

Medical expenses, costs related to

Medicaltreatment

assistanceExpense of childbirthassistanceMaternity
assistanceOccupational

required for employment

assistanceFuneralassistanceto the medical institution (no copayment)
Actual amount will be paid directly
to the care service facility (no copayment)
Actual costs within the budget
Actual costs within the budget
Actual costs within the budget

Chapter 9

Funeral expenses

Actual amount will be paid directly

Chapter 8

Expenses for acquisition of skills

A fixed amount

Chapter 7

care insuranceLong-term care

Actual costs within the budget

Chapter 6

Nursing care charge using nursing-utility costs

Chapter 5

education

assistance• Fixed amount to cover household

Chapter 4

Charges for school meals, books,

Housing• Personal expenses (for food, etc.)

Chapter 3

Basic living expenses for food,

What is supported

Chapter 2

Essential costs of living

Chapter 1

The types of assistance will be determined according to what is necessary to live.

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1283

7Pension and Welfare

Services to promote independence forneedy persons

having financial difficulties.

Chapter 2

We provide a comprehensive and customized support for those

Chapter 1

6

Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

84

Tax

Chapter 8

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

Non-Japanese citizens and tax•

		Persons who earn income in Japan;
→		

		

As a rule, individual income tax is imposed on income.

Persons who have a registered address in Japan as of January 1.
→		 Individual Inhabitant Taxes are also imposed. (The amount of the tax varies inaccordance with your income in the prior year.)Japanese taxes are divided into National and Local Taxes, depending on to whom the tax is paid.
		

Taxes paid to the national government, such as Individual Income Tax, are called National Taxes.

•

		

Taxes paid to the prefectural or municipal government, such as Individual Inhabitant Tax, are called

Local Taxes.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

National Tax and Local Tax

Chapter 5

Consumption tax is also imposed when you stay at a hotel or eat at a restaurant,etc.

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Non-Japanese citizens under the following conditions must pay tax in Japan:

Chapter 8

Individual Income Tax

Chapter 9

1

Individual Income Tax is a tax imposed on personal income earned in a year starting from
Chapter 10

January 1 through December 31.
The tax is calculated as follows:
Gross income − Expenses, etc. = Net income (A)2.		

Net income (A) − Deductions (see 1-3) = Taxable income (B)3.		

Taxable income (B) × tax rate

85

Chapter 12

The tax rate gradually rises along with the increase taxable income (B).

Chapter 11

1.		

8

Tax

1-1

Taxpayer and scope of personal taxable income

Persons who have a registered address (“domicile”) in Japan, or who have had a residence for

Chapter 2(1) Residents

Chapter 1

The scope of individual income tax varies according to the following types of residence:over a year until the present (except (2) Non-Permanent Residents) are termed Residents.
All worldwide income of Residents that is earned inside and outside of Japan is subject

to income tax.

Chapter 4“Domicile” and “Residence”•

		"Domicile" refers to the principal base and center of one's life. It is judged objectively by the		"Residence" refers to a location in which an individual continually resides for a certain time but

which does not qualify as a base and center of one’s life.

Chapter 5

circumstances, such as if a person works or has a family in Japan.
•

Chapter 3→		

Chapter 6

Within the term “Residents” as defined in (1) above, those who do not have Japanesenationality and for whom the time they have had a domicile or residence in Japan within the① Their income other than earned outside Japan, and ② their income earned outside→		(3) Non-Residents→		Only their income earned within Japan, such as salary, wages, other payments given foryour work, etc. is subject to income tax.

Chapter 10

Persons who are not qualified as Residents are termed Non-Residents.

Chapter 9Japan as long as it is paid within Japan or is remitted to Japan is subject to income tax.

Chapter 8

period of past 10 years is five years or less in total are termed Non-Permanent Residents.

Chapter 7(2) Non-Permanent Residents

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

86

8

Tax

1-2

Filing a tax return and payment

Taxpayers submit a tax return to the tax office to determine the tax obligation while adjusting the(1) Persons who need to file a tax return
since their tax obligations are determined by their income tax being withheld (see 1-4) and later

Chapter 3

The majority of persons who receive salaries and wages do not need to file a tax return,

Chapter 2

withheld amount (see 1-4) within the due date. This procedure is called filing a tax return.

Chapter 1

Income tax is self-assessed, with the annual income and the tax to be imposed on it calculated.

adjusted in the final salary paid to them in a calendar year (see 1-4).
•

		Persons who have one employer and their total amount of their income other than salary

Chapter 4

However, persons to whom any of the following apply must file a tax return:income and severance allowance exceeds 200,000 yen;		Persons who have more than one employer and the total amount of salary income which

has not been adjusted in their year’s final salary and income other than salaries and severance
allowance exceeds 200,000 yen; or		Persons who have income from business or stock trading and are required to pay income

tax according to the calculation.
If there is any tax to pay, taxpayers have to pay such amount in full by the due date. (The tax
The following methods can be used to pay tax:

Chapter 7

office will not send any notifications regarding this.)

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5•

1.		 Automatic account transfer from your domestic bank2.		

Online payment via Direct Payment or Internet banking

3.		

Online payment with your credit card; orbanks, post offices, convenience stores or tax offices)		

If it is found out that you are eligible for a deduction (see 1-3) from your withheld tax (see1-4), you can receive a refund of the tax you have overpaid by filing a tax return. The refund will
be remitted to your account at a post office or a bank.
•		

If you have not overpaid income tax due to withheld tax or the like, you cannot receive a tax

Chapter 12

refund.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10(2) Persons who are eligible for a tax refund by filing a tax return

Chapter 94.		 Over-the-counter payment with a tax payment slip (atChapter 8

account

87

8

Tax

(3) When to file a tax return and pay tax
and March 15 of the following year.
*		Tax office do not accept, as a general rule, consultations or the submission of tax return on days they are closed

The due date for income tax payment is March 15.
If this due date (March 15) falls on weekends or national holidays, it will be extended to the following business

Chapter 3

day.

(4) When you leave Japan		

If you leave Japan and unregister your Japanese address, your income tax must be adjusted

in your year’s final salary while you are in Japan.
•		

If you need to file a tax return due to one of cases in (1) applying to you, you have to do so•		

If you carry out any procedures relating to tax payment after you leave Japan, you haveto appoint a tax agent who resides in Japan and send a “Declaration Naming a Person towith jurisdiction. The agent will take care of the procedures after you leave Japan.

Major tax deductions
Taking each individual’s circumstances into consideration, a certain amount of deductions is
In case of a Non-Resident (see 1-1 (3)), only limited types of deductions are applicable.

•		In the case where you financially support a family member, and the total income of suchcertain amount of incomededuction on your income tax calculation.
•

		

If your dependent family member is Non-Resident (see 1-1(3)), you have to attach thefollowing documents to a tax return form or show them when you submit your tax return form
1.		

Family registration (a copy of your family’s koseki); and2.		

Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident

Chapter 11

at a tax office:

Chapter 10

dependent is 480,000 yen or less(380,000 yen or less in or before 2019), you can recieve a

Chapter 9(1) If you give economic support to your family;

Chapter 8

applicable on your income tax calculation (see the formula in 1 above) if you fulfill the following:

Chapter 7

1-3

Chapter 6

Administer the Taxpayer’s Tax Affairs for Income Tax and Consumption Tax” to the tax office

Chapter 5

and pay any tax you owe before you leave Japan.

Chapter 4•

Chapter 2(weekends, national holidays, etc.).
*		

Chapter 1

Income tax consultation and payments for every tax year must be done between February 16

Chapter 12

family member.

88

8

Tax

(2) If you are married;
		 If you are married and satisfy certain requirements, a certain amount of deduction isapplicable to your income.
•		

If your spouse is Non-Resident (See 1-1(3),) you have to attach the following documents to

1.		

A marriage certificate (a copy of family registration, etc.); and2.		

Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident
Chapter 3

spouse.

(3) If you pay social insurance;etc.) for yourself, your spouse and other family members who depend on you for their livelihood,(4) If you pay life insurance premiums; orpremiums and/or pension insurance premiums, you can receive a certain amount of income
deduction.

family members who depend on such taxpayer for their livelihood exceeds a certain amount, you
can receive an income deduction depending on the amount of the medical expenses.

When their salaries or wages are paid, income tax is subtracted (withheld) from them by theiremployer.
		

Tax is adjusted in the final salary or wage in a calendar year (year-end adjustment).

•

		

A withholding record with the annual gross salary printed on it is issued by an employer andprovided to the salary receiver.

Special cases by Income Tax Convention
If your country and Japan have concluded an income tax convention, your income tax may berelieved by fulfilling certain requirements.

89

Chapter 12

1-5

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

		 Persons who receive salaries and wages pay income tax in the withholding tax system.

Chapter 9

Withholding and year-end adjustment

Chapter 8

If the total amount of medical expenses spent by a taxpayer, his/her spouse and/or other

Chapter 7(5) If you have spent a significant amount of medical expenses;

Chapter 6

If you pay a certain amount of life insurance premiums, long term medical care insurance

Chapter 5

you can receive an income deduction depending on the amount of the insurance premiums.

Chapter 4

If you pay social insurance (Health insurance, National Pension, Employee’s pension insurance,•

Chapter 2

a tax return form or show them when you submit the tax return form at a tax office:

1-4

Chapter 1

•

8

Tax

Individual Inhabitant Taxes•		

Definition of Individual Inhabitant Taxes
This is a tax you are obliged to pay to the prefectural andJanuary 1.
•		Individual Inhabitant Taxes consist of an income-graded component which is assessed onyour amount of income.
•		

The Individual Inhabitant Taxes to be paid to your prefecture will be paid to your municipal

2-2		There are two ways of paying:①		Special collection: The company that employs you withholds your Individual

employees themselves do not need to pay the taxes to the municipal office.
②		

Ordinary collection: When you receive a written tax demand from your local

and the amount of taxes indicated on it. (*)

Chapter 8

government, go to the government office yourself with the demand you have received

Chapter 7

Inhabitant Taxes from your salary and pays it to your municipal government. As a rule,

Chapter 6•

How to pay the Individual Inhabitant Taxes

Chapter 5

government together with the one for your municipality.

Chapter 4

your income for the preceding year and a flat-rate component whose amount is regardless ofChapter 3municipal offices with jurisdiction over your address as of

Chapter 2

2-1

Chapter 1

2*		 You may pay your tax at the post office or a convenience store. See the instructions indicated on the letter from•		

Miscellaneous
Please note the following regarding Individual Inhabitant Taxes:
address on January 1. Even if you leave Japan on January 2 or after, you still have an
obligation to pay the tax.
employment, the outstanding tax balance must be paid by ordinary collection (see2-2②). However, there is another way to pay them to your municipality, namely,
requesting that the company that employed you withhold the taxes from any salary or
severance allowance that would be paid to you.
③		

If you cannot pay your Individual Inhabitant Taxes before you leave Japan, you must

appoint a tax agent who resides in Japan and will pay the tax for you, and notify themunicipal office of such person.

90

Chapter 12②		 When those who pay the taxes by special collection (see 2-2①) terminate their

Chapter 11①		 The taxes must be paid to the municipality where you have had your registered

Chapter 10

2-3

Chapter 9

your local government.

8

Tax

Consumption Tax
The Consumption Tax at the rate of is 10% (Standard tax rate) isthe purchase of food and drink excluding alcoholic drink and dining
out, the rate of 8% (Reduced tax rate) is applied.

Tax on your automobile

Chapter 3

4

Chapter 2

applied to the purchase of goods and services in Japan. In the case ofChapter 1

3

Chapter 4

Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax

When you purchase an automobile or a light automobile
Light Motor Vehicle Tax with an environmental performance-based tax reduction.
(The amount of the environmental performance-based tax reduction is determined according

If you have an automobile
Automobile Tax, a tax reduction will be applied according to its engine size. (*)(The amount of the tax reduction is calculated based on the engine size and other elements.)
government.

Persons who have a light automobile as of April 1 whose engine size is 660 cc or less are
obliged to pay Light Motor Vehicle Tax, a tax reduction will be applied according to its engine size.
(*)(The tax amount is calculated based on the engine size, etc.)*		 Instructions regarding the tax amount and payment method are given on a letter sent to you by the municipal
office.

91

Chapter 12

If you have a light automobile

Chapter 11*		 Instructions regarding the tax amount and payment method are given on a letter sent to you by the prefectural

Chapter 10

Persons who have an automobile (engine size over 660 cc) as of April 1, are obliged to pay

Chapter 9(2) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax and tax reduction
according to engine size

Chapter 8

to an automobile’s or light automobile’s fuel efficiency and other elements.)

Chapter 7

When you purchase an automobile or a light automobile, you have to pay Automobile Tax or

Chapter 6(1) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax with anenvironmental performance-based tax reduction

Chapter 5

4-1

8

Tax

4-2

Vehicle Weight Tax

5		

Chapter 3•

Property Tax

Chapter 2

Vehicle Weight Tax is imposed according to the weight of your vehicle when it is inspected.

Chapter 1

When you have your automobile or light automobile inspected

You are obliged to pay property tax if you have any of the following as of January 1 each
Chapter 4year:① Land; ② Buildings; or ③ Depreciable assets.
		You have to declare the depreciable assets you have.

•		The amount to pay will be calculated by the municipal office based on the values of the

Chapter 5•

assets.
		Inquiries about tax

Chapter 8

6-1

Chapter 7

6

Pay the tax to the municipal office where your asset is located.

Chapter 6•

National Taxes

Chapter 9(1) By Telephone (Call center)
Payment Call Centers:
Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau

03-3821-9070•

Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau

06-4965-8298•

Nagoya Regional Taxation Bureau052-971-2059

You can find FAQs and general answers to them via the link below:

https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/index.htm

92

Chapter 12(2) Tax Answers (FAQ on taxes)

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

English speakers will answer general inquiries about National Taxes at the following Tax

8

Tax

(3) National Tax Agency website

Click the link below or scan the QR code for further information:

Inquiries on Local Tax(1)		 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website

https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_zeisei/czaisei/
czaisei_seido/individual-inhabitant-tax.html

Chapter 6(2)		 Ask at a prefectural or municipal office in the area you live in for more details.

Chapter 5

Guidance on individual inhabitant tax for foreign residents:

Chapter 4

For inquiries about local tax, please use the following:

Chapter 3

6-2

Chapter 2

https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm

Chapter 1

This website provides useful information on filing and paying national taxes.

Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1293Traffic

1

Traffic rules

Chapter 1

Chapter 9

Chapter 2
Chapter 3

As members of society, we are all obligated to obey traffic rules to ensure the safe and smooth

Safety guidelines for pedestrians(1) Walking on roads and sidewalk

Pedestrians should keep to the right side of the road.

•		 Pedestrians should use the sidewalks or stay within
the lines marked for walking on the road when they are

Chapter 8

available.

(2) Rules for crossing the street		

Pedestrians should cross the street using the nearest traffic light intersection or pedestrian•		

Pedestrians should never cross a street that is marked with signs that prohibit crossing.

•		

Pedestrians should clearly show a driver their intention to cross the street by raising their•		

Pedestrians should check that there are not any cars coming while crossing a street.

•		Green light : Pedestrians can proceed to cross the street.

•		Yellow or flashing green light: Pedestrians may not begin to cross the street;if pedestrians

has already commenced crossing, he or she should either attempt to finish crossing quickly orturn back.
•		Red light: Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street.

•		 Crossing streets that have traffic light buttons: Pedestrians should push the button tochange the light to green,after which they can proceed to cross the street.

94

Chapter 12

Rules of traffic lights

Chapter 11

hand or looking to the driver and cross the street only after the safety is confirmed.

Chapter 10

crossings, overpass or underpass.

Chapter 9

Crossing the street safely•

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

Generally, pedestrians shuoud walk on the right side of the street so thatvehicles approach on their left.

Chapter 5

1-1

Chapter 4

movement of the many vehicles and pedestrians using our streets.

9

Traffic

Crossing streets that have no traffic lights
		

Pedestrians should cross the street only after confirming there are no vehicles coming fromeither direction.
•		

Before crossing the streets, pedestrians should stop and look in both directions to check for•		 Pedestrians should continue looking both ways to check for oncoming vehicles whencrossing the street, and walk straight ahead rather than diagonally.

•		Before walking over a rail crossing, pedestrians should stop and look both ways to make

Chapter 3

Rules for rail crossings

Chapter 2

oncoming vehicles. If vehicles are approaching pedestrians should wait until they pass.

Chapter 1•

sure it is safe.
		

Pedestrians should never attempt to enter a rail crossing when the warning bell is soundingor the crossing bar is on its way down.

Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing or reflective materials at night
white or yellow as well as accessories with reflective materials or LED lights to ensure that drivers

Chapter 6

When walking on the street at night, pedestrians shoud wear brightly colored clothing such as

Chapter 5(3) Walking at night

Chapter 4•

can easily see them.

Safety guidelines for cyclists•

		

Bicycles are classified as vehicles, so as a general rule,cyclists should use•		Cyclists should use designated bicycle paths when they are available.

•

		

Cyclists should use the lanes markded for bicycles on sidewalks or roads when they are•		Children under 13, adults 70 and over, and people with physical disabilities are permittd toride a bicycle on the sidewalk.

•		Cyclists must not obstruct pedestrians if riding inside the lines marking pedestrian paths.

Rule 3. Cyclists must reduce speed on sidewalks and give pedestrians the right of way•		When passing pedestrians on sidewalks, cyclists should reduce speed enough to enable asudden stop.
•		Cyclists should stop riding if there is a risk of obstructing passing pedestrians on sidewalks.

95

Chapter 12

Rule 2. Cyclists should ride on the left side of the street

Chapter 11

available.

Chapter 10

the street.

Chapter 9

Rule 1. In principle,cyclists should ride on the street anduse sidewalks only in exceptional cases

Chapter 8(1) Five rules to follow to ensure safety when riding a bicycle

Chapter 7

1-2

9Traffic

Rule 4. Cyclists must obey safety rules
		 Cyclist are prohibited from riding under the influence ofalcohol.
		

Riding double is prohibited.

•		

Riding side by side is prohibited.

•		

Cyclists must use bicycle lights at night.

•		

Cyclist must obey traffic lights at intersections and check for safety after coming to a full

Rule 5. Children must wear a bicycle helmet

Chapter 3

stop.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

Parents and guardians must ensure that children wear a bicycle helmet in the following cases;		When a child under the age of 6 is riding in the children’s seat of a bicycle.

•

		When a child under the age 13 is riding a bicycle.

•

		Cyclists must not use umbrellas or talk on mobile phones when riding.

•		 In order to protect a head, not only children, but also people of all generations are•		Cyclists can take out insurance against liabilities for damages caused in a bicycle accident

and their own injuries. In particular, please keep in mind that you are required to purchase
Osaka.

Chapter 7“bicycle liability insurance” to cover liabilities for damages in many areas such as Tokyo or

Chapter 6

recommended to wear a helmet.

Chapter 5

Other regulations

Chapter 4•

See the following URL for details:(2) Using intersections

Chapter 9

When making a right-hand turn		

At intersections with traffic lights
When the light turns green, the cyclist should cross the intersection in a straight direction

and come to a stop on the opposite side with the bicycle facing right. When the light of theboth ways to check for safety.
•		

At intersections without traffic lights
The cyclist should look behind to check for safety, cross the intersection in a straightproceeding.

When making a left-hand turn
The cyclist should make sure not to obustruct pedestrians crossing the street.

96

Chapter 12

direction, then slow down to make a right-hand turn,and check for oncoming cars before

Chapter 11

intersecting street turns green, the cyclist should proceed in a straight direction after looking

Chapter 10•

Chapter 8

https://www.jitensha-kyogikai.jp/project/#insurance-promotion9

Traffic“Stop” sign
cars before proceeding. Cyclists should come to a full stop at intersections where visibility is poor,
narrow roads meet wide streets, or where sidewalks come to an end, and then look both ways to

Chapter 2

check for safety before proceeding.

Chapter 1

Cyclists must come to a full stop at stop signs, and look both ways to check for oncoming

Designated lines for bicycles
When an intersection has designated lines for bicycles,cyclists should ride

Safety guidelines for drivers (automobiles andmotorcycles)		You need a driver’s license to drive.

•		You must present your driver’s license when asked by a police officer in the event of an

accident or a violation of traffic rules.
		You must drive on the left.

•		

When driving near pedestrians and cyclists, drivers should slow down and make sure tokeep a safe distance between them and the vehicle.
		

NEVER drive after drink.

•		

It is also prohibited to lend your car to someone who is under the influenceof alcohol, to encourage someone who is going to drive to drink, and to ask

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

1-3

Chapter 3

within the lines.

somebody who has drunk alcohol to drive.
		Drivers and other passengers must fasten their seat belts.

•		Young children under 6 must sit on a child seat.

•		You must not use a mobile phone while driving.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 9https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

Chapter 10

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 11
Chapter 12979Traffic

Driver’s license
One of the following three valid driver’s licenses is required to drive a car (including motorcycles)

Chapter 2

and a motorized bicycle in Japan:
1.		

Japanese driver’s license;

2.		

International driving permit (issued by the countries who signed the 1949 Geneva
Foreign driver’s license issued in the following countries with a Japanese translation

certified by the embassy of your country, etc.:*		 A moped is a type of motorized bicycle, so you have to have one of the licenses mentioned in 1. to 3. above to ride

See the following URL for details:•		

How to get a Japanese driver’s license
There are several ways to get a Japanese driver’s license as follows:
Getting a Japanese license by taking a driver’s license testi.		

You must pass the aptitude, skills and knowledge examination at a Driver’s

License Center, etc.
If you take a complete course of driving lessons at a designated driving school,

you will be exempted from taking a skills examination.
2.		

How to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one
If a foreign driver’s license holder is approved as having sufficient knowledgeof road rules and practical driving skills, he or she will be exempted from taking
knowledge and skills examination.
After being licensed in a country, you must have resided for at least an additional

three months there.
iii.		Your application must be submitted at a Driver’s License Center under thejurisdiction of the prefectural police in your area.
For more details on the documents required for the application, please ask at a

Driver’s License Centers.

98

Chapter 12iv.		

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9ii.		

Chapter 8

1.		

Chapter 7

2-1

Chapter 6https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

Chapter 5one.
*		 Regarding 2. and 3., the permit is valid for a maximum of one year.

Chapter 4(Six countries and areas: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan)

Chapter 3

Conventions and is in the official format); or
3.		

Chapter 129Traffic

2-2

How to renew a Japanese driver’s license
Chapter 1

Renewal of the driver’s license		

A Japanese driver’s license has a validity period.

•

		 When the renewal time approaches, a notice will be sent to yourregistered address as a postal card. Renew your license in time.
		

If you do not renew your driver’s license, you are not allowed to drive.

How to change your registered address		

If there is any change with regard to your name or address etc, notify a police station near

you of that fact.
•		Further details such as which documents you will need are available at a police station near

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

you.

Penalty point system

		When a driver violates traffic rules or causes an accident, penalty points will be given.

•		A driver’s license may be suspended or revoked based on the sum of the points accumulated

Motor vehicles cannot be used unless they are registered. When there is any change to thelonger used in Japan the registration must be accordingly updated.

Registration for a unregistered vehicle•		When you start to use a unregistered vehicle→ Initial registration

99

Chapter 12(1) When to register and types of registration

Chapter 11

registered information, such as change of the owner or owner’s address, or when the vehicle is no

Chapter 10

Motor vehicle registration

Chapter 9

3-1

Ownership of motor vehicles (including
motorcycles)

Chapter 83Chapter 7

over the last three years.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 52-3

9Traffic

Registrations for an already-registered vehicle		When the name or address of the owner change→ Registration of alteration•

		When the owner changes•

		In case of disassembly or export of a vehicle→ Registration of deletion•

		Registration can be done at 91 bureaus of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport•

		

If you have any questions about registration, please ask at an MLIT bureau or Automobile

Inspection & Registration office near you.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kensatoroku/ans_system/help02.htm

Parking Space Certificate

space. Therefore, when you purchase one or when you move andchange your address, you have to register your car and have a certificate
location of parking space.
In case of a light motor vehicle, you must notify the police station

Chapter 8of parking space issued by the police station with jurisdiction over the

Chapter 7

To own an automobile, you as the owner have to have a parking

Chapter 6

3-2

Chapter 5

Information on MLIT bureaus in Japan:

Chapter 4

and Tourism (MLIT) or Automobile Inspection & Registration offices around Japan.

Chapter 3(2) Where to register

Chapter 2→ Registration of transfer

Chapter 1•

with jurisdiction over the location.
Certification for light motor vehicles is required in the Tokyo Metropolitan 23 wards and some

Chapter 9This certification is necessary in Tokyo metropolitan 23 wards, cities, towns and some villages.
cities.
location.

Chapter 10

For more information, please contact the police station with jurisdiction over the parking

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

100

9

Traffic

Vehicle Safety Inspection (including some types ofmotorcycles)•

Automobile owners have to have their motor vehicles inspected periodically as required by

		

•

		

There are two ways to have your car inspected:
Carrying to Service garage
About 90% of automobile owners in Japan nowadays have an inspection performedat an authorized service garage. To request an inspection, ask at a service garage with

Chapter 3

1.		

Chapter 2

law.

Chapter 1

3-3

blue sign (designated service garage), yellow sign or green sign (certified service garage)
Chapter 4near you.
2.		

By yourself at an MLIT bureau
About 10% of the automobile owners in Japan nowadays maintain their automobile

carried out at 93 MLIT bureaus (89 for Kei-vehicles) located across the country. For
further information on the inspection, please ask at an MLIT bureau near you.

Chapter 5by themselves and take it to an MLIT bureau for a safety inspection. Inspection can be

Chapter 6

MLIT bureau locator

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kensatoroku/ans_system/help02.htm
Chapter 7

Information on the Kei-Vehicles•		

After your motor vehicle passes its periodical inspection, a certificate and a sticker on which

the upper left part of a number plate in the case of motorcycles), and make sure to carry thecertificate whenever you drive.

Chapter 9

the inspection expiration date is printed will be issued. Put the sticker on the windshield (orChapter 8

https://www.keikenkyo.or.jp/procedures/procedures_000134.html

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

101

9

Traffic

3-4

Car Insurance•		 CALI is an insurance mandated for all registered vehicles, including automobiles and		If someone gets injured or dies in an accident, insurance benefit will be paid from CALI.

•		

It is prohibited by law to drive an automobile or a motorbike without CALI.

•		

If you cause an accident resulting in injuries or death without CALI, you will have to pay avery large amount of medical expenses and compensation by yourself.
See the following URL for details:

Chapter 5

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/anzen/04relief/index.html

		Chapter 6

Where to buy CALI•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

motorbikes, to cover provide relief to the victims of traffic accidents.

Chapter 2

What is CALI?

Chapter 1(1) Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)CALI is available at the following:
Insurance companies (mutual aid associations), branches and dealersii.		

Car and motorbike dealersiii.		 For moped bikes and motorbike, CALI can be purchased at Post Offices (someChapter 7i.		

do not sell CALI), some insurance companies (mutual aid associations), online or at*		 If you have any inquiries, ask at a location close to you that deals in CALI.

Chapter 9(2) Voluntary Insurance
Voluntary Insurance is for covering what CALI does not.
Differences between CALI and voluntary insurance are as follows:

Optional at a private insurance

Compulsory

company or mutual aid association

Only liability for bodily injury•

Liability for bodily injury•

Liability for property damage•

Injury•Repair of car damage

Other coverage, as per contract.
Benefit

LimitedAs per contract

102

Chapter 12

Coverage

Voluntary Insurance

Chapter 11

Purchase

CALI

Chapter 10

CALI does not cover property damage such as a damaged vehicle.

Insurance

Chapter 8

convenience stores.

9Traffic

Stop driving

Chapter 2

4-1

Responding to a Traffic Accident		Stop driving immediately.

•		

Pull your car over to a safe place such as the road shoulder or an open space, to give way toother cars.

		

If anyone gets injured, call 119 to request an ambulance.

•		

Until the ambulance arrives, try to give first aid (such as stop any bleeding)to the injured following the operator’s instructions. Do NOT move the injured

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

Emergency calls to the police and an ambulance

Chapter 3•

4-2

Chapter 1

4person unnecessarily.
		

Whether anyone is injured or not, contact the police on 110.

•		Do NOT leave the spot until a police officer arrives.

•

		

When a police officer arrives, report the accident and have the site•		Doctor’s diagnosis
You may not feel injured in an accident, however, it may turn out later that you have been

Chapter 8

4-3

Chapter 7

inspected.

Chapter 6•

seriously injured.
		

It is recommended that you see a doctor right away.

See the following URL for details:

Application for a Traffic Accident Certificate•		

To apply for any assistance after an accident, a Traffic Accident Certificate may be needed.

•		The Certificate can be applied for at a Japan Safe Driving Center (JSDC) Ask at the police•		

A Certificate will not be issued for an accident that has not been reported to the police. So

be sure to report any traffic accident to the police.
JSDC website

https://www.jsdc.or.jp/center/tabid/106/Default.aspx

103

Chapter 12

station you have reported the accident to for more details regarding the application procedure.

Chapter 11

4-4

Chapter 10

https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

Chapter 9•

Chapter 10

Dial 119 in the case of a medical emergency, injury, or fire.

i.		

Dial 119. An operator will ask you “is it a fire or a medical emergency?” so tell themii.		 Tell the operator a landmark close-by or the exact location where you want anambulance to be sent.
immediate assistance.
iv.		

Give the operator your name and telephone number.

https://www.fdma.go.jp/html/life/gaikokujin_kyukyusya_guide/index.html

Chapter 9

In case of fire
Dial 119. An operator will ask you “is it a fire or a medical emergency?” so tell them“it’s a fire.”
Tell the operator the location of the fire.

iii.		

Give the operator your name and telephone number.

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 8

You can check how to call an ambulance in the following link in various languages:

Chapter 7iii.		 Inform the operator of the symptoms and the age of the person who requires

Chapter 6“it’s a medical emergency.”

Chapter 5

In case of medical emergency or injury

Chapter 4

Medical emergencies, injuries, fires, etc. (119)Chapter 3

1-1

Chapter 2

Emergency call

Chapter 1

1

Emergencies andDisasters

Chapter 12

104

10

Emergencies and Disasters

1-2
		

If you get involved in a traffic accident or a crime, and need immediate police assistance,

call 110 for help.
		When you dial 110, an operator will ask you most likely the following questions, so stay

calm and answer with as much detail as possible.
When, where and what has happenedii.		

Your name and telephone number

iii.		

Description of the other person in the accident or the criminal(s), such as gender,

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

Traffic accidents and crimes (110)number of people, age and clothing•		

Chapter 4iv,		

If there is anyone injured

If you cannot make a phone call by yourself, ask someone around you to help.
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

105

10

Emergencies and Disasters

Natural Disasters•

Tropical cyclones and intense heavy rain

		 When the seasons change, warm air meets cold air, forming a boundary (front) in the•		 When a tropical cyclone or a low pressure system with fronts passes Japan, it leads totorrential rain over a wide area.
		 When landforms or other causes produce strong rising air and convective clouds(cumulonimbus clouds) form repeatedly in the same area, it causes heavy localized rainfall.

•		

Be careful as these rainfalls may cause landslides and floods which may lead to big damage

Chapter 5in the area.

(1) Flooding of rivers		

After heavy rain, rivers may be flooded, inundate buildings and wash people away.

•		

To protect your own life, take the following actions:

It is important to check regularly the areas which are most likely to be flooded, the locationsof evacuation shelters, and the safe routes to the evacuation shelters from your house and other

This is a map that shows the areas that are most likely to be affected bynatural disasters.

Chapter 10

For more details, visit the website below:

https://disaportal.gsi.go.jp/

Chapter 11

In case of a heavy rain

your own decision.
If evacuation instructions have been issued by your local government, evacuate fromdangerous places and proceed to a safer place.
iii.		

See “3 Evacuation” for how to evacuate.

106

Chapter 12

If you feel you are in danger, according to disaster prevention information issued by

Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) or other agencies, you should start to evacuate inii.		

Chapter 9

Hazard Map

Chapter 8

facilities, , with a hazard map or by other methods.

Chapter 7

Prepare for yourself

Chapter 6•i.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

atmosphere. If the front stays over Japan, heavy rainfall may occur.

Chapter 2

2-1

Chapter 12

10Emergencies and Disasters(2) Landslide (Mud flows)by heavy rain. They are an environmental hazard which can erode mountains and coastal cliffs,

Chapter 1

Landslides are mass movements of rock, stones, debris, and soil down a slope of land caused
destroy buildings and block roads. Here is how to protect yourself from this disaster:

It is important to check regularly which areas are likely to suffer a landslide, the locations
facilities, with a hazard map or by other methods.

Chapter 3of evacuation shelters, and the safe routes to the evacuation shelters from your house or other

Chapter 2

Prepare for yourself

In case of a heavy rainiii.		

Earthquakes

		Japan is on the Ring of Fire, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, which is characterized by frequent

earthquakes. There are several tectonic plates and their movements result in earthquakes.
•

		When an earthquake occurs, it is vital to protect yourself first, and then stay safe by co-		Here are actions to take with regard to earthquakes that you must

always keep in mind:

Chapter 9

Prepare for yourselfi.		

Create a family plan about where to evacuate when an earthquake occurs.

iv.		 Take precautions to prevent furniture, etc. from falling over. Arrange furniture in aroom taking such risks into consideration.

Chapter 12

Magnitude and Seismic Intensity
		Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake. When the mode valueof the magnitude increases by 1, the energy increases about 32 times.
•		Intensity measures the strength of shaking produced by an earthquake at a certain location. JMA

divides the intensity into 10 grades (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, lower 5, upper 5, lower 6, upper 6, and 7).
•

		Chapter 11iii.		 Prepare a first aid kit and enough food and water for at least three days (for sevendays if possible).

Chapter 10ii.		 Take part in an emergency drill of your region, check and understand evacuationplans.

•

Chapter 8

operating with your community.
•

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

2-2

See “3 Evacuation” for how to evacuate.

Chapter 5ii.		 If evacuation instructions have been issued by the local government, evacuate fromdangerous places and proceed to a safer place.

Chapter 4i.		 If you feel you are in danger according to weather prevention information issued by
the JMA or other agencies, you should start to evacuate in your own decision..

You can find this information on TV, radio, and online.

107

10

Emergencies and Disasters

When an earthquake occurs
in mind the following:i.		

Keep Calm		

When you are in your house or building

Protect your head from falling or moving objects, get under a sturdy table orother furniture, and stay there until the shaking stops.
		When you are outside

Cover your head with a bag, etc. from falling sign boards, walls or window glassfrom buildings nearby and move to a safe place.
		While you are driving a car

If you feel shaking, stay calm, pull over to the left and stop the engine. Leave thekey, get out of your car and walk to a safe spot nearby.
Check All Fire Sources

		Fires following earthquakes can worsen the damage.
		

When the shaking stops, extinguish kitchen gas stoves and gas heaters.

•		

If there is a fire, try to put it out with an extinguisher.

•		

After an earthquake, do not light a fire due to a risk of gas leaks.

iii.		

Evacuate to a safe place

		An earthquake may collapse buildings and cause fires.

•

		 Turn off the circuit breaker before evacuation, because a fire could occur due toelectric appliances after the recovery of power failure caused by an earthquake.

iv.		

Cooperate with your community

		When a disaster occurs, it is important to cooperate with your neighbors.
		

v.		

Help especially the elderly who live alone and people with disabilities.

Listen to official information

		After an earthquake, false or misleading information tends to spread.
		Keep yourself updated with the latest official information via TV, radio, mobile phone
networks and/or disaster information wireless broadcast system and stay calm.

•

The JMA will issue an Earthquake Early Warning for areas where over intensity 4 shaking is
forecasted when the earthquake that the maximum intensity of 5-lower or more is predicted.
The Warning will be broadcasted on TV, radio, mobile phone networks, disaster information
wireless broadcast system, etc.

Video about earthquakes and Earthquake Early Warnings (in English, Chinese,
Korean and Japanese)

https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/books/sokuho_dvd/index.html

When you see or hear Earthquake Early Warning,
don’t panic and protect yourself!
108

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Earthquake Early Warning

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8		 In mountainous areas, there is a risk of landslide. When the shaking stops,
promptly go to the evacuation shelter designated by your local government.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5ii.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

When an earthquake occurs, keep calm. What to do depends on where you are. Please keep

10Emergencies and Disasters

2-3		When a large earthquake occurs on the seabed, the ocean

floor rises and falls. These movements displace the water above
become destructive tsunami waves.
•

		 It is not always true that the water level drops before a

Chapter 3

tsunami hits.

Prepare for yourself
evacuation routes from your home to a nearest shelter.

When there is a risk of tsunami
Keep in mind the following when you evacuate:		If you feel massive shaking in a coastal area or at a river mouth, or even weak but long•		

Even though you do not feel any shaking but receive an official tsunami warning from the

JMA or an evacuation instruction from the local government, immediately leave the coastal•

		

Listen and search for correct information via TV, radio, mobile phone networks, disaster

information wireless broadcast system, JMA English webpage, or safety tips.
		

Tsunami waves hit repeatedly. Keep away from at-risk zones and areas until a warning or

alert is lifted.

•		Starting from June 2020, red-and-white checkered flags calledfact that major tsunami warning, tsunami warning, or tsunami advisory
has been issued.
•

		

Chapter 10“Tsunami Flags” are used on the beach, etc. to alert people visually to the

Chapter 9

Tsunami Flags

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

area or the river mouth and go to high ground or a tall building.

Chapter 6

shaking, immediately leave the area and go to high ground or a tall building.

Chapter 5

It is too late if you start to evacuate when you see tsunami waves coming to the shoreline.

Chapter 4

It is important to find where evacuation shelters are on a hazard map and check the safe•

Chapter 2

it and launch the rolling waves in every direction. These waves

Chapter 1•

Tsunami

The use of “Tsunami Flags” enables us to inform people with hearing

nationals of issuance of tsunami warning, etc.

https://www.data.jma.go.jp/eqev/data/en/tsunami/tsunami_flag.html

109

Chapter 12

Please visit the following website for information on “Tsunami Flags” (English):

Chapter 11

difficulties, people who are swimming and hard to hear due to the sound of waves or wind, and foreign10Emergencies and Disasters

Volcanic Eruption•		

There are 111 active volcanos in Japan.

•

		When a volcano erupts, it may cause life-threatening damage and destruction.
To stay safe and protect yourself from a volcanic eruption, here is what

you need to do:•		Find which areas are dangerous regularly on a hazard map.

•		When you go on a hike, prepare the following:
Check a volcanic warning or volcanic alert level issued by the JMA and a hazard map,

etc. prepared by the local government;
Submit a Mountain Climbing Notification; andiii.		

Prepare communication equipment and a helmet.

•

		

It is the information provided to make “areas that require warning” and “actions that should be•		This is operated for 48 volcanos among active volcanos existing in Japan (as of April 2021).

•

		

There are five volcanic alert levels as follows:
and other actions)Level 4............... 
Evacuation of the elderly (preparation to evacuate from

Chapter 8

Level 5............... Evacuation (evacuation from residential areas that are in danger

Chapter 7

taken” are instantly found out according to the situation of a volcanic activity.

Chapter 6

Volcanic Alert Level

Chapter 5ii.		

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3

Prepare for yourself

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

2-4

residential areas that require warning, evacuation of persons
Level 3............... Restriction on entering a mountain area (restriction on entering
an area that is in danger and other actions)around the crater and other actions)Level 1............... Be aware that it is an active volcano (no action required)https://www.data.jma.go.jp/vois/data/tokyo/STOCK/kaisetsu/English/level.html

Chapter 11

Information on volcanic warnings and volcanic alert levels (English):

Chapter 10

Level 2............... Restriction around the crater (restriction on entering an area

Chapter 9

requiring special care and other actions)

Chapter 12

110

10

Emergencies and Disasters

When a volcano is likely to erupt or has erupted
		

Evacuate on your own (if necessary) based on the eruption notice, volcanic warning andvolcanic alert level the JMA has issued.
•		

If the local government issues an evacuation instruction, evacuate and proceed to a safe•		When you receive an evacuation advisory or an eruption occurs while you are climbing amountain, follow the instructions below:
Leave the crater and its vicinity immediately.

ii.		

Evacuate and proceed to a mountain hut or a shelter.

iii.		

Wear a helmet to cover your head.

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2

place.

Chapter 1•

Chapter 4
Chapter 5

3

Evacuation
Evacuation shelters

disasters.

•

		

Evacuate from the dangerous place based on the evacuation advisory, etc. and proceed toa safe place as soon as possible.
		Check regularly where the evacuation shelters are in your area.

•		

Shelters can be found on the hazard map or website of municipalities.

•		

If it seems to be more dangerous to go to a shelter due to occurrence of a flood or otherupstairs or higher and take actions to survive.

Evacuation information provided
Evacuation information are a guidance issued by your local government when a disaster is

Alert level 3 Evacuation of the elderly•		What is it?
This is an advisory for people who will take time to prepare for evacuation and evacuate,

such as the elderly and small children, due to a risk of a disaster that causes damages.

111

Chapter 12

likely to occur or has occurred. Here are some examples:

Chapter 11

3-2

Chapter 10

reasons, go to another safe place or to a large sturdy building nearby. At the very least, go

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

When a disaster is likely to occur or has occurred

Chapter 7

An evacuation shelter is a temporary evacuate location or facility that can save your life during

Chapter 6

3-1

10

Emergencies and Disasters•		When the information is announced

The elderly;ii.		

People with disabilities;iii.		

Children;iv.		

Pregnant mothers and others who are difficult to evacuate by themselves and whotake time to evacuate;
Assistants to those corresponding to i–iv mentioned above; andvi.		

Person who feel in danger.

evacuation, as necessary.

Chapter 4This is also the right time for other people to postpone their regular activities and prepare for

Chapter 3v.		

Chapter 2i.		

Chapter 1

The people listed below should start evacuating from a place in danger:

Alert Level 4 Evacuation instruction		What is it?
This advisory will be issued when the risk of damage caused by a disaster has elevated.

		When an advisory is issued
All people should evacuate from a place of danger safely and proceed to either of thefollowing:
An evacuation shelterii.		

Other safe places (safe houses of relatives or friends, inns, etc.)

conditions are met yourself, it may be possible to stay indoors and ensure safety:i.		

Not in the zone where there is a risk of house collapse or destruction due to a floodii.		

Living in a high building without danger of flooding

iii.		

Endurable until the flood subsides with a stock of enough water and food

What is it?
These measures are given when the situation gets worse and a disaster has already occurred

or is imminent.
		When the measures are issued
If you have not evacuated, ensure your safety immediately because your life is in danger. If

it seems to be more dangerous to go to an evacuation shelter, at the very least, please take thefollowing actions immediately in order to protect your life:i.		

Evacuation to a higher floor of a substantial building nearbyii.		

Evacuation to a little safer place in the second or higher floorof a house, and other actions

112

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11		Chapter 10

Alert level 5 Emergency safety measures

Chapter 9(possible flood area causing house collapse, etc.)•

Chapter 8

Further, when you check a hazard map, etc. and can determine that the following three

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5•

10Emergencies and Disasters—What is an Alert Level?—•		This information provides guidance on the appropriate response when a floods or a landslides are•		From 2019 on, alert levels are released together with evacuation instructions and weather

information for disaster prevention.
•

		

Chapter 2

likely to occur.

Chapter 1

Evacuation instructions categorized by Alert Level

There are five scales:
online.)Chapter 3

Level 1	�����������Be in a state of readiness. (Gather information on rain and river status on TV orLevel 2	�����������Verify evacuation routes. (Search on whether or not a place where you are is in
Level 3	�����������The elderly and other persons requiring assistance should start evacuating from aplace of danger. (People who would take time to reach shelter should evacuate.)and take shelter at a safe place.)
Level 5	�����������Take best possible measures to save lives. (Disaster has already occurred or is

Chapter 5

Level 4	�����������Full evacuation from a place of danger. (Everyone evacuates from a place of danger

Chapter 4

danger and how and where you should evacuate if it is in danger.)

imminent. Protect your own life!)
Chapter 6
Chapter 7

3-3

How to evacuate•		Extinguish all fire before evacuation; and•		Take the minimum of personal items and carry them in a backpack, so that you can use both

Chapter 9

hands freely.

Chapter 8

When you actually do evacuate, keep in mind the following:

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

113

10

Emergencies and Disasters•

In times of disaster, such as when a big earthquake occurs, telephone lines will get busy.

•

In such case, the Disaster Emergency Message Service will be provided.

Chapter 2

The outline is also posted on the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs andCommunications:

https://www.soumu.go.jp/menu_seisaku/ictseisaku/net_anzen/hijyo/dengon.html
By dialing 171 from a land line or mobile phone, you can easily record and play back messages byfollowing the operation instructions.
NTT EAST

NTT WESTNTTNTT EAST

Chapter 5: https://www.ntt.co.jp/saitai/171.html: https://www.ntt-east.co.jp/saigai/
voice171/
NTT WEST : https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/dengon/

Chapter 4

NTT

Chapter 3

Disaster Emergency Message Dial (171)For more details, please see the following websites:

Chapter 1

Disaster Emergency Message Service

Disaster Message Board (web 171) (in English, Chinese, Korean, Japanese)
You can register and check the safety information by inputting a number ofChapter 6

your land line or mobile phone with your PC or smartphone.
Visit the following site to use the service:https://www.web171.jp/web171app/topRedirect/
NTT EAST

NTT EAST

NTT WESTKDDI (au)

SoftBank/
Y!mobile: http://www.ntt-east.co.jp/saigai/web171/

Chapter 7

For more details, please see the following websites:

NTT WEST : https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/dengon/web171/
Chapter 8

Disaster Message Board (on mobile phone networks)

Visit the following websites to use the services.

Chapter 10

NTT DOCOMO : http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/
top.cgi
KDDI (au): http://dengon.ezweb.ne.jp/
SoftBank/
Y!mobile:h ttp://dengon.softbank.ne.jp/

NTT DOCOMO

Chapter 11

See the following URL for details:

114

KDDI (au)

SoftBank

Y!mobile

Chapter 12

NTT DOCOMO : https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/info/disaster/disaster_board/index.html
KDDI (au): https://www.au.com/mobile/anti-disaster/saigai-dengon/
SoftBank:h ttps://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/dengon/
Y!mobile:h ttps://www.ymobile.jp/service/dengon/
NTT DOCOMO

Chapter 9

Mobile phone operators also provide message board services.

10

Emergencies and Disasters

Useful Disaster Weather information
The JMA publishes useful weather forecasts in times of disaster.
You can find such information via TV, radio, or internet.

https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kokusai/multi.html

Find the latest disaster information at the following link:

Chapter 3

Disaster management information

Chapter 2

Heavy rain and earthquake information (Multilingual)

Chapter 1

3-4

https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/en/menu.html

Find zones and areas with the risk of any of the following disasters:
https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/en_risk/#elements:inund

https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kokusai/multi.html

Chapter 5

Inundation (low-land flooding)

Chapter 4

Real-time Risk Map

Chapter 6https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/en_risk/#elements:floodhttps://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kokusai/multi.html

Chapter 7

Flood (river flooding)

Chapter 8

https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kokusai/multi.html

Chapter 10

https://www.jma.go.jp/bosai/en_risk/#elements:land

Chapter 9

Landslide (collapse of a mass of earth from a mountain or cliff)

Chapter 11

Volcanic alerts
https://www.data.jma.go.jp/vois/data/tokyo/
STOCK/kaisetsu/level_toha/level_toha.htm#level_volhttps://www.data.jma.go.jp/vois/data/tokyo/
STOCK/activity_info/map_0.html

115

Chapter 12

Volcanic information

10

Emergencies and Disasters•		The JMA may issue an Emergency Warning for intense rainfall.

•		This Emergency Warning will be issued when intense rainfall of the sort that happens only once in•		

The JMA marks areas with imminent risk of inundation, flood and landslide disasters in the Real-

Chapter 3

Real-time Risk Map

Chapter 2

decades is predicted, and fatal damage may have been caused.

Chapter 1

Emergency Warning for Intense Rainfall

time Risk Map, based on the prediction of rain, etc.
		Real-time Risk Map is updated on the JMA website every ten minutes.

•

		

Get the latest information on your area via mobile phone networks and move to a shelter early.

		

There is an app for foreign tourists in Japan that provides up-to-date disaster information.

•

		

By downloading this app on the phone, you are notified in advance with the following alerts ofdisasters near you.
Earthquake Early Warning (prediction of strong shaking)ii.		

Tsunami Warning (advisory to shelter at higher ground as a tsunami is coming)

iii.		

Special Warning of Weather, etc. (the largest advisory that intense rainfall or storm in decades isiv.		

Eruption Notice (advisory to take protective action due to an eruption)v.		 Tropical Cyclone Information (advisory to take protective action due to an approaching tropical

Chapter 8

likely to occur)

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5“Safety Tips,” an app for up-to-date disaster information

Chapter 4•

cyclone)You can also find the following useful information:i.		

What-to-do flow chart for times of disasterii.		

Communication cards to talk with Japanese people near you.

iii.		

Links where useful information is found:Android
iPhone: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rcsc.safetyTips.android: https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/safety-tips/id858357174?mt=8
iPhoneChapter 11

Android

Chapter 10

		Chapter 9•

Chapter 12116

Chapter 11

Housing
Chapter 1

Housing which you own is generally called Privately Owned Housing, or mochi-ie in Japanese.
built or to purchase one, you will need to go through many procedures.

Public housing
Public housing is provided by local public entities at affordable rents for low-income persons

prefecture and municipality.

UR Rental Housing
UR Rental Housing is managed by Urban Renaissance Agency (UR). There is a minimum

status of residence requirement (see 2-2).

Private Rental Housing
This is the most popular way to rent a place to live in. Anybody can rent a unit by paying rent

to rent, so read it carefully before signing a contract.

Chapter 11

in accordance with the rental lease agreement. The agreement will vary depending on the housing

Chapter 10

1-4

Chapter 9monthly income requirement set by UR; you for non-Japanese can rent a unit if you meet the

Chapter 8

1-3

Chapter 7

who need somewhere to live. Requirements such as minimum income vary depending on the

Chapter 6

1-2

Chapter 5

Such properties can be detached houses or a condominium. If you want to have your own house

Chapter 4

Privately Owned Housing

Chapter 3

1-1

Japanese Housing

Chapter 2

1

Chapter 12

117

11

Housing2-1

Public housing•		

Public housing is provided by local public entities at affordable rents for low-income persons.

Chapter 2

Moving-in

Chapter 1

2

Requirements such as minimum income vary from prefectures and municipalities.
		In the case of foreign nationals, additional requirements may be imposed regarding thestatus or period of residence (for example, period of residence must be more than one year) or

Chapter 3•

the resident history in Japan.
		

If you wish to live in public housing, apply to the prefecture or municipality in charge.

•

		 For more details about qualifications and application, please ask the prefecture or

Chapter 4•municipality who administrate the housing you wish to move in.

		

UR Rental Housing
You have to fulfill the requirements set forth by UR such as a minimum monthly income

standard.
•		In the case of non-Japanese nationals, they will need to have one of the following statuses

Mid to Long-Term Resident (including Permanent Resident).
•		Contact UR Sales Office for more details on the application and vacancies.

		”Apartment Search Guidebook” and “Guide for Renting Foreigners” are available for non-Japanese residents who are looking for private rental housing.
•		The “Apartment Search Guidebook” includes basic knowledge and useful information:
How to search for housing and the process up to signing a contract - general leaseprocedures lease agreements in Japan differ from those in other countriesiii.		

Moving-in proceduresiv.		

Rules when living in Japanese housingv.		

Moving-out proceduresvi.		

Useful terms regarding renting a room, etc.

		 The “Guide for Renting Foreigners” provides basic information which is useful whensearching rental housing in Japan and websites of real estate agencies offering services inforeign languages.

Visit the website of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for
more information.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jutakukentiku/house/jutakukentiku_house_tk3_000017.html

118

Chapter 12

Required documents and budget

Chapter 11

•

ii.		

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9•

Private Rental Housing

Chapter 8

2-3

Chapter 7of residence to be qualified to rent a unit: Diplomat, Official, Special Permanent Resident or

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

2-2

11

Housing“Apartment Search Guidebook”

KOREAN

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317846.pdf

SPANISH

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317847.pdf

PORTUGUESE

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317848.pdf

VIETNAMESE

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001316936.pdf

NEPALI

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001316937.pdf

THAI

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312581.pdf

INDNESIAN

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312584.pdf

MYANMARhttp://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312587.pdf

KHMER

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312589.pdf

TAGALOGhttp://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312590.pdf

MONGOLIAN

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001312591.pdf

Chapter 6

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317845.pdf

Chapter 5

CHINESE

Chapter 4

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317844.pdf

Chapter 3

ENGLISH

Chapter 2

http://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001317843.pdf

Chapter 1

JAPANESE

CHINESEKOREANSPANISHPORTUGUESEVIETNAMESENEPALITHAIINDONESIANMYANMARKHMERTAGALOGMONGOLIAN

Chapter 8

ENGLISH

Chapter 7

JAPANESE

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

119

11

Housing“Guide for Renting Foreigners”

https://www.safetynet-jutaku.jp/guest/index.php (JAPANESE)

Chapter 2

Information on rental housing available for foreign nationals

Chapter 1

https://www.mlit.go.jp/common/001334734.pdf

Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12120

Garbage(1) Basic rules for garbage disposal		Comply with the garbage sorting rules, pick-up sites and days; and•		

Follow the rules set forth by the municipal government in your area.
*		In general, you must put your garbage bags outside on the morning of the collectionday.
The wrong kind of garbage or garbage bags placed outside of the designated site will

not be collected.
*		In some areas, you have to purchase trash bags designated by the local government

Garbage sorting example (Follow the rules stipulated by your municipality)

Oversized garbage

Home Appliance Waste
A fee may be charged for disposal
and recycling

cartons, etc.
Furniture (tables and chairs, etc.,) bicycles, bed
mattresses, etc.

Air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, freezers, washingmachines and clothes dryers, etc.

121

Chapter 12

A fee may be charged for disposal
and recycling

Bottles, cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, books, plastics,

Chapter 11

Recyclable waste

Broken ceramics, glasses, metal, etc.

Chapter 10

Non-burnable waste

Kitchen waste and paper, etc.

Chapter 9

Burnable waste

Chapter 8

and put your garbage in them.

Chapter 7*		Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

When you dispose of garbage, you have to observe the following rules:

Chapter 4

1-1

Chapter 3Life rules

Chapter 2

1

Chapter 1

Daily rules andcustoms

Chapter 1212Daily rules and customs

Used cooking oil must not be poured down the kitchen drain. Put some newspapers in the pan toabsorb the oil and throw them away as burnable waste.

Chapter 1

Used cooking oil

Chapter 2

When you replace or dispose of the home appliances listed below, you need to

Chapter 3

Home Appliance waste
pay a recycling fee and a collection and transportation fee:		

Chapter 4•

Air conditioners;
		

TVs;

•

		

Refrigerators and freezers; and•		Washing machines and clothes dryers.
Further, when you dispose of those, you need to ask a business operator who has been approved forcollection and transportation. If you have no idea which business operator you should ask, please contact

Chapter 6

the local government of your municipality.
Payment and collectioni.		

When replacing		The shop where you purchase a new one at
Each shop has its own collection policies. Ask for details at the shop where you will purchasea new appliance.

Only disposal•		The shop where you have purchased the appliance you wish to dispose of
If you do not remember where you have bought an appliance, ask your local government for

Chapter 8ii.		

Chapter 7•

Chapter 5•

help.
Chapter 9

Do not dump waste at any non-designated site.
Observe the garbage-sorting rules of the municipality in which you reside.
Many municipalities have regulations that do not allow the littering of streets with cans and122

Chapter 12

cigarette butts. Doing this can be subject to administrative or criminal penalty, so never do it.

Chapter 11

It is against the law to do so, and you may be punished.

Chapter 10(2) Illegal dumping

12

Daily rules and customs

1-2

Making Noise		

Be careful that your voices, parties, TV and music are not too loud.

•		

Be careful not to make a lot of noise when you use a washingmachine,or a vacuum cleaner, or taking a shower early in themorning or late at night.
		 A condominium or apartments, refrain from talking loudly or
making a lot of noise.

1-3

Chapter 4

Restroom•		Be sure to use only the toilet paper that is in the restroom.

•		

Used paper should be flushed.
restroom. However, in Japan, it can be flushed away without clogging
in the pipe if the paper in the restroom is properly used.

		

There are many buttons in public restrooms in department stores and at stations, etc. The

flushing button normally looks like this: 流す (FLUSH) .

Mobile phone use		

Do not use a mobile phone while walking to avoid injuring yourself or others.

•		

It is prohibited by law to use a mobile phone while driving or riding a bicycle.

On a bus or train
In public spaces like trains and buses, please keep in mind the following:		Speaking in a loud voice can bother other people.

•

		

Talking on the phone on a bus or train is considered to be bad manners in Japan. Pleaserefrain from talking on the phone (as it bothers other people).
		Be sure that your music is not too loud and cannot be overheard outside of the earphones.

•		When crowded, take care so your backpack does not bother other people.

123

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

1-5

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

1-4

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

In some countries, used paper is deposited in a trash bin in the

Chapter 5

Japanese restrooms→		

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

Japanese people tend to think that loud sounds and voices bother others.

12

Daily rules and customs

Hot springs and bathhouses		

There are rules at public baths like hot springs and bathhouses.

•		Wash your body before getting in the bathtub.

•		

Do not put a towel in the bathtub.

•		

Do not use soap and shampoo in the bathtub to wash your body and hair.

•		Persons with tattoos may not be allowed to enter public baths.

Chapter 3

1-7

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-6Prohibition signs

Chapter 4

There are signs to indicate that something is forbidden.

Chapter 5This is the basic sign

Chapter 6

Obey these signs in the area they are placed.

Chapter 7“Don’t smoke.”“Don’t talk on the phone.”

Chapter 8“Don’t swim.”

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

124

12

Daily rules and customs

Prevention of infectious diseases
In Japan, infectious diseases such as cold or influenza sometimes break out in winter whensometimes emerges. In this section, basic precautionary measures to prevent the spread of
infectious diseases are provided. When any infectious disease is prevalent, each person should

2-1

Chapter 3

make sure the following:

Hand washingremove a virus sticking to your hand or finger. You should frequently wash your hands uponis as follows:

③

④

⑤

⑥

Rub the back of your hands up and down.

iii.		

Thoroughly rub the fingertips and nails.

iv.		

Wash between your fingers.

v.		

Twist and wash your thumbs with the palms of your hands.

vi.		

Don’t forget to clean your wrists.

Chapter 11*		 After cleaning with soap thoroughly, rinse with water and wipe dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Chapter 10ii.		

Chapter 9

palms well.

Chapter 8

After thoroughly wetting your hands with running water, apply soap and rub the

Chapter 7②

Chapter 6①

Chapter 5

returning home, before and after cooking, before meals, etc. The order of steps for hand washing

Chapter 4

It is effective measures to wash your hands with running water and soap in order to physicallyi.		

Chapter 2

the air is especially dry, as well as an unprecedented infectious disease caused by a new virus

Chapter 1

2

Chapter 12

125

12

Daily rules and customs

2-2

Coughing manners

a sleave, the inside of your elbow, etc. when you cough or sneeze, in order to avoid infecting others.
sneezing.
		Wear a mask and cover your mouth and nose.

•		

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief if you do not have a mask.

•		

If you suddenly cough or sneeze, do so into your elbow or inside your jacket.

•

		Do not cough or sneeze without shielding your mouse and nose, and do not use your hands
It is also important to wear a mask correctly. You should wear a mask in the following steps.
Ensure both your nose and mouth are covered.

ii.		

Place the rubber string over your ears.

iii.		

Cover up to your nose so there are no gaps.

Chapter 6

Humidity

you vulnerable to infectious diseases. Particularly, when you are inside the room in which the air
is likely to be dry, the use of humidifiers to keep the humidity constant (50 to 60%) is effective.

Chapter 8

Rest and nutrition

balanced diet on a daily basis.

Chapter 9

In order to enhance body resistance, you should try to take enough rest and have a well-

Chapter 10

2-5Chapter 7

When the air is dry, the defensive function of respiratory tract mucosa weakens, which makes

2-4

Chapter 5

2-3

i.		

Chapter 4

to cover coughs and sneezing.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

You should observe the following manners when you have symptoms such as coughs or

Chapter 1“Coughing manners” mean covering your mouth and nose with a mask, a tissue, a handkerchief,

Going out

advisable that senior citizens, people with underlying conditions,pregnant women, people who feel sick, people who have lackof sleep, etc. refrain from going out. In particular, please avoid
Furthermore, when going out, you should ensure that you
wear a mask. When you may enter a crowded place, you canprevent droplet infection, etc. to some extent by wearing a nonwoven mask.

126

Chapter 12going to a crowded place and downtown.

Chapter 11

When an infectious disease is prevalent, it is especially12

Daily rules and customs

Lifestyle necessities

3-1

Chapter 2

Community life

Chapter 1

3

Chapter 3(1) Community groups (Residents’ association and neighborhood
association)
In Japan, community members voluntarily form groups with the purpose of trying to makeFunds for activities are raised by community members.

		Emergency drills for earthquakes and fires•		Traffic control for students on school routes•

		Caring for the elderly and persons with disabilities•

		

Circulation of a notice from local government•

		 Event organization, such as summer festivals and school sports festivals, to deepen
For details, please contact your local municipal office.

•		Talking to your neighbors, taking part in community activities help to have a good relationshipwith your neighbor.
		It helps avoid having trouble with them and you can exchange useful local information. You

can help each other in emergencies.

Chapter 10

3-2

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8(2) Relationship with your neighbors

Chapter 7

relationships among members.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

Main activities (examples)

Chapter 4

their community a safe and comfortable place to live in through organizing activities together.

Crime Prevention

		

Lock your windows and doors every time you leave home;•		

When you park a car, a motorcycle or a bicycle, make sure to lock it;•		When you carry valuable items, including a wallet or handbag, keep an eye on them;•		

Try not to walk in dark streets or other deserted places at night; and•		 If you are uncertain about anything about crime prevention, consult at a nearby police
station.

127

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Bear in mind the following to prevent crimes such as theft and sexual assault, etc.

12

Daily rules and customs

3-3

Utility services
Chapter 1(1) Electricity

When you wish to use electricity, here are the steps to follow:
Determine the date you want service to start.

ii.		

Subscribe with a electric supplier in your area over the telephone or online.

iii.		

Flip the switch “on” on the circuit breaker on the service start date.

In those cases, notice of this will b e given to you.

•		

Various plans are offered by energy providers to meet users’ needs. You can choose one that•		

Basically, bills are determined by your usage. However, a fixed base rate is set and is charged

regardless of your actual usage amount.
		Bills are payable by automatic bank withdrawal, by paying in cash at a convenient store or abank, or with a credit card.
*		 Your electricity usage is checked by your provider once a month by reading the meter situated outside of your

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

is suitable for you.

Chapter 5

Electricity bills and payment methods

Chapter 4

The provider may visit your residence depending on the contract and your housing facilities.

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2

Start using electricity

residence either locally or remotely.
*		 The service plan you have chosen can be confirmed in the document provided by the electric power company
when signing a contract.

When you wish to stop using electricity, here are the steps to follow:
Determine the day that service will end.

ii.		

Unsubscribe from the electricity supplier over the phone or online.

However, there may be cases where they visit because the electric meter cannot be read fromoutside. In such cases, notice will be given by the provider.

with sales activities by or contract with an electric power company.

https://www.emsc.meti.go.jp/general/consult.html

128

Chapter 12

Please visit the following website for consultation if you have any problems

Chapter 11

Generally speaking, the supplier will not visit you on the day when you cancel the service.

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9

Cancellation

Chapter 8*		 Users are notified of their usage by the provider every month.

12

Daily rules and customs(2) Gas•		 There are several types of gas with different components and combustion
homes.

•

		

Choose a home appliance compatible with the gas type being used.
incomplete combustion.

Start using gas		When you wish to use gas, here are the necessary steps to follow:
Determine the date you want service to start.

ii.		

Subscribe with a gas company in your area over the telephone or online.

*		 The provider will visit you on the date your service will start. They will check your facilities, explain how to use gas

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3*		 It is dangerous to use appliances that are not compatible with the gas in use. Incorrect usage may cause fire or

Chapter 2

characteristics. However, City gas (13A) and LP gas are the most popular ones for

Chapter 1

Types of gas

appliances and then will start providing you with gas.

•		Various plans are offered by a gas company to meet users’ requirements. Choose one that•		

Basically, bills are the total amount of the fixed base rate and your usage. You have to pay

the bill every month.
		Bills are payable by automatic bank withdrawal, by cash at a convenient store or a bank, orwith a credit card.
*		 The gas plan you have chosen can be confirmed in the document provided by the gas company when signing a

Chapter 9

contract.

Cancellation•

		

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

is suitable for you.

Chapter 6

Gas bills and payment methods

When you wish to stop using gas, here are the steps to follow:
Determine the cancellation date.

ii.		

Unsubscribe with the retailer over the phone or online.

On the cancellation day, the provider will come to stop the gas meter. If the meter is situatedhas to be present.
Please visit the following website for consultation if you have any problems
with sales activities by or contract with a gas company.

https://www.emsc.meti.go.jp/general/consult.html

129

Chapter 12

in a location to which they do not have access, the gas user or someone else acting on their behalf

Chapter 11*		 It is advisable to tell them your customer number, which is printed on your monthly meter-reading slip.

Chapter 10

i.		

12

Daily rules and customs(3) Water

When you wish to start using water after moving into a new residence, you need
beforehand.
For details, please contact your local municipal office.

Water bill is charged and paid as follows:
Water supply charges are calculated by the water supply business in your municipality.

The business checks your usage at the meter and charges you accordingly.
ii.		 Bills are the total amount of the basic charge and your usage. Basic charge isthe higher the charge becomes. On the other hand, your usage varies every month. The
more you use, the higher your bill becomes.
Payment methods differ according to the businesses. As a basic rule, you can choose

from automatic bank withdrawal, cash payment at a convenience store or a bank, etc.

Chapter 7

3-4

Mobile phones		Your identification must be verified when signing a contract.

•		Your identification can be verified by the following methods: i) to present official documents(identification documents) that include your name, date of birth and current address to themobile phone operator, or ii) to provide a copy of such documents to the mobile phone operatori.		

Residence Card;ii.		

Driver’s license;iii.		My Number Card; oriv.		

Passport (only when it has your current address).

If you are underage, all the documents listed below are required:i.		

Identification document; andii.		

A consent letter from your parents or guardian.

130

Chapter 12		Following is a list of valid identification documents:

Chapter 11•		Chapter 10

by mail or online.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8(1) Mobile phone contract•

Chapter 6iii.		

Chapter 5

calculated according to the tipe of size your supply pipe. The bigger the diameter is,

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3

Water bill and payment methods

Chapter 2

to sign up for water supply bureau or water supply business in your municipality

Chapter 1

Start using water

12

Daily rules and customs•		For a bill payment, you need to prepare one of the following:
A credit card;ii.		

A bank card for a Japanese bank; oriii.		

A bankbook for a Japanese bank.

		Some mobile carriers provide multilingual information online and at stores.

•		You can inquire beforehand about services and the documents required for a contract.

•		

There are malicious brokers who offer to enter into a mobile phone contract for you but use•		

If you ask somebody to make a contract for you, check it yourself as well.

•		

It is prohibited by law to transfer a contracted cell phone without the consent of the mobile

Bank Account(1) How to open a bank accountable to open a bank account by mail, smartphone app or PC. A cash card is generally sent to•		Present the following items when opening a bank account:
Identification document (e.g. Residence Card);ii.		

Seal (Hanko) (some banks accept signatures);iii.		

Employee ID card or Student ID card (If you do not have any of them, please go to

the bank with someone in your workplace or at school.)		

If you are not confident in communicating in Japanese, ask someone (in your workplace orat school) to interpret to help you.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8

your home address later.

Chapter 7

You can open a bank account at a bank branch. Depending on the bank, you may also be

Chapter 6

3-5

Chapter 5phone operator. If you break this law, you will be prosecuted.

Chapter 4

the contract for criminal purposes.

•

Chapter 3(2) Warnings for using services for mobile phone contracts

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1i.		

(2) Notify your bank immediately of any change in your address or
period of stay

Chapter 11•

Chapter 12

		

If there is any change in your information such as address, period of stay, status of residence

and place of work, you should immediately contact the bank with which you have an account.
Besides, your bank may contact you to check if there is any change in your information.
•

		

If you fail to contact the bank when your address, period of stay, status of residence or job ischanged, or if you fail to respond to the request from the bank, your bank account may become
unavailable.

131

12

Daily rules and customs(3) How to close a bank account		

If you are not going to use your bank account due to leaving Japan, etc., please close it. You

can close your bank account at a nearby bank branch.

Chapter 1•*		 It is a CRIME to sell or give a bank account without just cause. If you commit this crime, you may be sentenced to

Post Office•		The symbol for post offices and mail boxes iswhile the color of this symbol is red.

•		

These are the major services the Post Office offers:ii.		

Saving and remitting money, and paying public utility charges; andiii.		

Life insurance sales.

Chapter 5

Sending letters, post cards and parcels in Japan or to overseas;

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3

3-6

Chapter 2

imprisonment for a period of up to one year, and/or fined up to one million yen.

Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

132

12

Daily rules and customs

IC Cards issued by railway companies

You can use IC cards issued by railway companies to pay the transportation fares of trains,subways, buses, etc. The general functions of the card are as follows:		

By charging an IC card, it is not necessary to purchase a ticket at a ticket vending machine;•		The card is available at the ticket vending machine and service counters at stations or bus

service centers; and		Fares can be discounted if they are paid with the card rather than in cash.

(2) Registered card
The name of the card holder is printed on it.

•		

It is necessary to register name, phone number, date of birth and gender.

•		

If it is lost, it can be re-issued.

Chapter 7		Chapter 6•

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3(1) General functions

Chapter 2

4-1

Public Transportation

Chapter 14(3) Non-registered card		The name of the holder is not printed on the card.

•		

If it is lost, it cannot be re-issued.

		Generally, you have to make a deposit when you purchase one.

•

		This deposit will be refunded when it is returned to the issuer company.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9(4) Deposit

Chapter 8•

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

133

12

Daily rules and customs

4-2

Trainsnetwork. Trains and subways are popular means of(1) How to get on a train

Find your destination on the train network map;ii.		

Buy a ticket for your destination and insert it into the automatic ticket gate. (If you

have an IC card, touch the card reader at the ticket gate with it);iii.		

Follow the information on the display in the station and check the number of the

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3

Here are the basic steps for using train services:

Chapter 2transportation for commuters and students.

Chapter 1

Japan has a well-developed train and subway

platform where trains head for your destination come;
Wait for trains behind the white line or yellow blocks on the platform; andv.		 At your destination, exit from the ticket gate by inserting the ticket you have

Chapter 5iv.		

purchased at the departure station. (If you have touched your IC card at the departurebalance.)for ordinary trains or subways

ticketsii.	Multipleiii.	Commuting
pass

for three months).
This is useful for commuters and students who travel to the same
destination frequently every month. Fare per travel will be morechoose between validity periods of one, three, six months, etc.

When you get on an express or specially-equipped train, in addition to a base-fare ticket, youi.	Express ticket

For a bullet train or a limited express train;ii.	Reserved Seat

For a reserved seat on a bullet train. It may be sold with an express

ticketiii.	Green car

ticket; or
For a higher grade Green car.

ticket134

Chapter 12

have to purchase an extra ticket as follows:

Chapter 11(3) Other tickets

Chapter 10

economical comparing to the regular one-way ticket. You can

Chapter 9tickets

Eleven one-way tickets for a fixed distance for the price of ten (valid

Chapter 8i.	Regular train

Chapter 7(2) Types of ticket

Chapter 6

station, touch it again at the ticket gate. The fare will be deducted from your card’s

12

Daily rules and customs

Bus

•

		

As a rule, you have to buy your ticket before you get on a bus.

i. When a flat fare is applicable		

Put your fare in the fare box when getting on.

•		If you pay your fare with an IC card, touch the card-reader near the fare-deposit box with it.

ii. When a flexible fare applies		

Get on a bus, and pick up a ticket with a number from a small box near the door. When you

get off the bus, pay the fare corresponding to the number on your ticket, which is indicated on

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3(2) To move in and around the city (Local buses)

Chapter 2(1) Traveling long distances (Long-distancebuses)

Chapter 1

4-3

the display above at the front.
		

If you pay with an IC card, touch the card-reader when getting on and getting off.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12135