I. Emergencies
1. What to do in an Emergency………………………………1

2. How to Call the Emergency Services………………………………4

3. Out-of-Hours Medical Services………………………………4

II. Procedures for Foreign Residents living in Japan
1. Types of Residency Status (Visa)………………………………5

2. Komatsushima Port Immigration Office………………………………6

3. Procedures for Foreign Residents………………………………6

4. Procedures for Alien Registration………………………………10

5. International Marriage and Divorce………………………………12

6. Birth and Death Registration………………………………13

III. Daily Life
1. Housing………………………………15

2. Electricity, Gas and Water………………………………16

3. Garbage Disposal………………………………17

4. Telephone………………………………17

5. The Post Office and Postal Services………………………………21

6. Banking………………………………24

7. Convenience Stores………………………………26

8. Driving………………………………26

IV. Medicine
Medicine and Health
1. Basic Knowledge about Medical Facilities………………………………30

2. The Public Health Insurance System………………………………30

3. Maternity, Birth & Vaccinations………………………………31

4. Prevention of Infectious Diseases………………………………34

V. Working
1. Looking for Work………………………………36

2. Employment Contracts………………………………36

3. Wages………………………………37

4. Dismissal and Retirement………………………………38

5. Working Hours………………………………39

6. The Social Insurance System………………………………40

VI. Education
1. The Japanese Education System………………………………43

2. Starting School or Kindergarten………………………………43

VII. Tax
1. Types of Tax………………………………46

VIII. Introduction
Introduction to Tokushima Prefecture
1. Introduction to Tokushima Prefecture………………………………47

2. Tokushima Prefectural International Exchange Association (TOPIA)………………………………48
3. Major Government Offices and Organisations………………………………49

Please Note: The information contained in this guide is correct at the time of writing, but may
be subject to change.

I. Emergencies
1. What to do in an Emergency(1) FireDial 119

Say “kaji desu” (“there’s a fire”) and give your name and address.



If possible, try to put out the fire before the fire engine arrives. However, rememberthat your first priority is your own safety, so do not attempt to fight the fire if it isdangerous to do so.

(2) Serious Injury or Sudden IllnessDial 119

Say “kyuukyuu desu” (“it’s an emergency”) or “kyuubyou desu” (“sudden illness”)
and give your name and address.



If possible, have your health insurance documents ready before the ambulancearrives.

(3) Traffic Accident, Accident, or Crime

Dial 110



Say “dorobou desu” (“there was a thief”) or “jiko desu” (“there was an accident”).
Give your name and address, and details of when, where, and what happened.

(4) Earthquakes
Japan is a country prone to earthquakes. The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of 1995 was aninvaluable lesson in which countless precious lives and property were lost in an instant.
It is important to be prepared mentally and materially for earthquakes, no matter whereor when they may occur, so that losses are kept to a minimum.
Everyday MeasuresCheck where the safest place in your house/apartment is.

Store enough drinking water – 2-3 litres per person, per day.

Prepare a rucksack or emergency bag and store it in a place familiar to everyone in
the family. Example of items to put in the rucksack / emergency bag: (a) flashlightand batteries, (b) drinking water and food, (c) portable radio (d) money (including
some ¥10 coins for using a public telephone), (e) copies of identification materials
such as passports and bankbooks, etc., and other valuables, (f) matches, lighter andcandles, (g) a first-aid kit (including medicine for those requiring regular medication),-1-(h) a helmet or other protective headwear, (i) cotton work gloves, socks andunderwear, (j) heat insulating and waterproof blankets, (k) rope, etc.
Use metal fittings to secure furniture and prevent it from falling over.



Use shatter-prevention film on windows, cupboards, shelves, etc. where glass is used.



Make a note of emergency contact telephone numbers and the contact details of
someone who can communicate in your language.

Confirm where your nearest emergency shelter and hospital are and how to get there.
Inquire at your city, town or village office to confirm the whereabouts of your nearest
emergency shelter.

When an Earthquake Occurs
Ensure your personal safety and get to the nearest safe place.



Switch off the gas and all gas-powered cookers and appliances in use. Switch off allother appliances such as cooking and heating appliances that may cause a fire.



If a fire breaks out, extinguish it immediately with the nearest fire extinguisher.

Open all doors, including the front door, to ensure a clear escape route.

Listen to the TV and radio regularly, or telephone for earthquake information.



Do not rush out of a building. Wait until the earthquake has temporarily stopped,
then get your emergency bag, put on a helmet or other protective head covering andmake your way to an open space.



Try not to become separated from family members or neighbours. Check you are all
together and make your way as quickly as possible to a shelter.



If you are driving, avoid breaking suddenly. Reduce your speed slowly and move overto the left shoulder of the road. Do not park the car next to a gasoline station or
high-pressure gas facility, or under a pedestrian bridge.



If you are walking along a wide road, move out to the centre. If downtown, be carefulof falling objects such as signs, telegraph poles and glass from windows, etc.

After an Earthquake
After an earthquake, there is the danger of after-shocks and tsunami. If possible, get
accurate information from the radio, newspaper, television, etc. If you find you cannot
return to your residence after a big earthquake, inform your country’s embassy or
consulate, your place of employment or school of the safety of both you and your family.
Emergency Telephone Message Service (Saigai(Saigai-yo Dengon Dial) - Tel. 171
When a disaster occurs, it is often difficult to make phone calls to the affected area. In
such circumstances, use the Saigai-yo Dengon Dail service (telephone message service intimes of disaster). People outside the area can listen to recorded messages made by thosein the affected area regarding their safety, etc. It is like a voice recorded message board.
-2-

Similarly, people outside the area can send messages to people in the affected area.
Notification of the introduction of the NTT Saigai-yo Dengon Dial service is made on theradio and television, etc. You use the service by dialing 171 and following the guidance inJapanese to record or listen to messages.
(5) Typhoons and Floods
Being
Being prepared for Typhoons and Floods
Japan is prone to typhoons from summer through autumn that bring strong winds andtorrential rain and can cause landslides and flooding. To be prepared for such strong
winds and floods, the following points should be given attention.
Your residence should be fully inspected. In order to keep damage to a minimum,
repairs and reinforcements should be carried out.

Window glass, etc. should be reinforced with gum or vinyl tape. If there are shutters,
they should be closed.



Boxes, flowerpots and other objects in the garden or on the balcony should befastened or taken into the house to prevent them from being blown around by strong
winds.



Television antennas etc. should be reinforced with splints, wire, etc.



Clear drains, shores and water tubs of any dirt and debris to ensure good drainage.



If you live in a lowland area or in an area where flooding is possible, you should placefurniture and electrical appliances as high as possible.

In the event of a blackout (electric power failure), have a flashlight, portable radio,
etc. in a set place familiar to each member of the family.

Keep things you need to take with you in an emergency in a convenient place.

Confirm where the nearest disaster shelter is and how to get there.

Confirm whether or not your residence is in a safe district. Information can be foundin the Kiken Kasho Zu (Danger Zones Map) at your city, town or village office, fire
department office or civil engineering department (names may vary depending on
district) concerning the location of disaster shelters and the threat of heavy
rain-induced landslides in certain areas.

If a Typhoon Comes

Do not go out in strong winds. If you must go out, wear a helmet or thick hat.



Do not go near fallen utility poles or sagging cables.



Pay close attention to weather forecasts. If a warning to evacuate the area is given,evacuate as quickly as possible. Families with elderly or sick persons or infants
should evacuate early.

-3-

Disaster Victim Certificate (Risai ShomeiShomei-sho)
It is necessary to have a Disaster Victim Certificate when applying for tax deductions or a
tax reprieve for victims of storms and floods. Application forms for this form may beobtained at city, town or village offices or from a fire department.

2. How to Call the Emergency
Emergency Services

From a green public phone, press the red emergency button and then dial thenumber

From a grey public phone or international card phone, dial 110 or 119

Please note that mobile phones sometimes do not work for emergency calls

3. OutOut-ofof-Hours Medical Services
Places offering medical treatment at night or on a Sunday / public holiday:Tokushima City Out-of-Hours Emergency Clinic (in the Fureai Kenkou-kan)
Okinohama-Higashi 2-16, Tokushima City. Tel: 088-622-3576



Komatsushima City Out-of-Hours Emergency Clinic
Shinko 9-10, Komatsushima-cho, Komatsushima City. Tel: 0885-32-0228

Anan City Medical Association Sundays and Holidays Clinic
Kawahara 2, Takarada-cho, Anan City. Tel: 0884-22-1313

Other:
Your local General Hospital

Use the local Home Visit Doctor system (ask at your local municipal office fordetails)-4-II. Procedures for Foreign Residents living in Japan
1. Types of Status of Residence (Visa)
Status of Residence
A Diplomatic
Official
Professor
ArtistReligious Activities
Journalist
Investment / Business
Management
Legal / Accounting Services
Medical Services
Research
Instructor
Engineer
Specialist in Humanities /International Services
Intracompany Transferee
Entertainer
Skilled Labour
B Cultural Activities
Temporary Visitor
Overseas Study
Pre-university Student
Trainee
Dependent

Examples of Occupation
DiplomatInternational Agency Official
University Professor
Musician
Missionary
Special Correspondent
Investor / Business Manager

Period of Stayduring mission
during mission
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years

LawyerPhysicianResearcher
Foreign Teacher
Systems Engineer
Interpreter / Designer

1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years
1 year / 3 years

Engineer
DancerChef
Cultural Exchange
Travel and Tourism
University Student
Japanese Language Study
Training
Family of Trainee etc

1 year / 3 years

C Designated Activities
D Permanent Resident

1 year, 6 / 3 months

1 year / 3 years
1 year, 6 months

15 / 90 days
1 year / 2 years
1 year, 6 months
1 year, 6 months

1 / 2 / 3 years,
6/3 months
6 months or ※indefinite

Working Holiday
Those granted permanent residency
statusSpouse / Child of Japanese
Spouse / child of Japanese national
1 year / 3 years
National
Spouse / child of permanent resident
Spouse / Child of Permanent
Refugees / third generation
1 year / 3 years
Resident
Japanese settlers
Long-Term Resident※
Work Restrictions: A - fixed; B - work forbidden; C- fixed; D - no restrictions※ 1 year, 3 years, or other period designated by the Minister of Justice-5-

2. Komatsushima Port Immigration
Immigration Office
Procedures connected with status of residence (visas) are carried out at the
Komatsushima Port Immigration Office, which is a branch of the Takamatsu
Immigration Office.
Address:

Komatsushima Minato Goudou Chousha 2nd floor, 1-11 Aza Sotobiraki,

Komatsushima-cho, Komatsushima-shi 773-0001
Tel:

08853-2-1530

Open: Monday-Friday (except national holidays)
9:00 – 12:00 / 13:00 – 16:00
Access:From Stand 5 at Tokushima Station Bus Terminal, take a Tokushima Bus
bound for Tachibana, Nyuudani or Katsuura and get off at the Nisseki
Byoin-mae bus stop. From there it is a five minute walk.

Note:

To ensure that your procedures are carried out smoothly, telephone the office
before you go. If you do not speak Japanese, it may be a good idea to takesomebody who can act as an interpreter.

Takamatsu Immigration OfficeTel:087-822-5851

3. Procedures for Foreign Residents
In principle, applications should be made in person at the Immigration Office. In cases
where the applicant is under 16 years of age, or is unable to go in person due to sickness
or injury, a family member may make an application on their behalf. There is a costassociated with each procedure. This should be paid not in cash but in the form of a
Revenue Stamp, available at post offices.
(1) Permission to Engage in an Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Current
Status of Residence.
This is necessary if you wish to engage in an activity (e.g. work) that is not permitted
by your status of residence (visa). The cost is free.
Required documents:
Application form

Materials making clear the type of activity you wish to engage in (e.g.
employment contract, employer’s brochure) as stipulated by the immigration-6-

office.
Passport or Status of Residence Certificate

Alien registration card

(2) Permission to Change Status of ResidenceThis is necessary if you wish to cancel your current status of residence and change toa different status of residence (visa).
Required documents:
Application form

Documents supporting the application, as stipulated by the Immigration OfficePassport or Status of Residence Certificate

Alien registration card

Certificate of “Permission to Engage in an Activity other than that Permitted
Under the Current Status of Residence”, if you have received one

Charge:Charge: ¥4000
Note that you may be required to produce additional documents. Also, not all
applications will receive permission.
(3) Permission to Extend the Period of Stay
This is necessary if you wish to extend the length of time your visa allows you to stayin Japan.
Application for and reception of permission must be completed before yourcurrent visa expires.

You can make an application from two months before the date your current visa
expires if you are the holder of a visa with a validity of over six months.

Required DocumentsApplication form

Documents supporting the application, as stipulated by the Immigration Office,and materials to make clear the type of activity in which you wish to engage.

Passport or Status of Residence Certificate

Alien registration card

Charge: ¥4000-7-

Note that you may be required to produce additional documents. Also, you must
apply within 14 days of receiving this permission at your local city, town or village
office to register the change on your Certificate of Alien Registration.

(4) Permission for Permanent Residence
Basic Conditions

As a rule, you need to have lived in Japan for 10 years consecutively.

You must have the means or ability to support yourself independently.

You must be of good character.

It must be considered beneficial to Japan for you to be granted Permanent
Residence.

Charge: ¥8000
Note that these conditions may not be required in the case of people who wereoriginally Japanese; the spouse or children of Japanese citizens or permanent
residents; or designated refugees. Also, in some cases permission may not be grantedeven if the applicant has been resident in Japan for 10 years. If you wish to apply for
Permanent Residence, there is a different application form from the “Permission toExtend the Period of Stay” application form.
(5) Permission to Acquire a Status of ResidenceThis is necessary in cases such as the birth of a baby that does not have Japanesenationality. Applications must be made within 30 days of the day of birth, or the day
when nationality is revoked.
Required DocumentsApplication formBirth Certificate

Parents’ passports and alien registration cards

Note that applications should be made within 30 days of the day of birth. However, it
is not necessary to acquire a Status of Residence if the child will leave Japan within a
60 day period. Applications can be also processed even if the child does not have apassport, so please be sure to apply within 30 days of the birth. The birth must be
registered at your home country’s embassy in Japan, and a passport issued to thechild.
-8-

(6) ReRe-Entry Permit
This is necessary when a foreign resident wishes to leave Japan temporarily andthen return to reside here.
Procedure: A Re-Entry Permit must be obtained before leaving Japan.

Types: Single Re-Entry Permits and Multiple Re-Entry Permits are available.



Validity: Both types of Re-Entry Permits are valid for a maximum of three years.

Note however that a Re-Entry Permit expires when your Status of Residence (visa)
expires. In the case of special permanent residents, Re-Entry Permits are valid for
four years.
Required DocumentsApplication form

Passport

Alien registration card

Charge:Single Re-entry Permit ¥3000
Multiple Re-entry Permit ¥6000(7) Transfer of Endorsement to New Passport
If you get a new passport, due to expiration or loss of the old passport, you must haveyour Status of Residence (visa) and so on endorsed on the new passport. There is nocharge.
(8) Certificate of Authorized Employment
A foreign national whose employment in Japan has been approved can receive a
Certificate of Authorized Employment by applying at the Immigration Office. Thiscertificate indicates the activities authorized, and the holder can submit it to apotential employer to prove eligibility for work.
Charge: ¥680
(9) Legal Obligation to Carry Identification
While in Japan, foreign nationals are required to carry their passports at all times
and to show them to immigration officials, police officers etc. if asked to do so. Once a
foreign resident has obtained an alien registration card, this may be carried instead,and can be shown in place of a passport.

-9-4. Procedures for Alien Registration
A foreign national staying in Japan for a period of more than 90 days must apply for alien
registration at their local municipal office within 90 days of their arrival in Japan. A child
who is born in Japan should also be registered, within 60 days of the birth, if they will bestaying in Japan for over 60 days. An alien registration card will be issued two to three
weeks after the application is made.
(1) Initial Registration
Application Period
Having entered
Japan:
16 years or older
Under 16 yearsof ageHaving had
Japanesenationality
revokedBaby born inJapan who will
stay over 60 days

Within 90 daysof arrival

Applicantin person
FamilymemberRequired Documents▪ application form
▪ passport▪ 2 photos▪ application form
▪ passport

Within 60 days of
revocation
Within 60 days ofbirthfamilymember▪ application form

Photograph:
Photograph:Must have been taken within the last 6 months.



Size: 4.5cm × 3.5cm (showing face at least 2.8cm length)

Subject must be facing the camera, not wearing a hat.

(2) Legal Obligation to Carry Identification
Foreign residents aged 16 years or over are required by law to carry their alien
registration card at all times (in place of a passport) once it has been issued, andmust show it to a police officer if asked to do so.
(3) Registering a Change
Change of address, name, nationality, occupation, status of residence, period of stay,
employer etc. must be registered.
Place of registration: your local municipal officePeriod of registration: within 14 days of the change

Note: If you move to a different city, town or village, please register the change ofaddress at the municipal office of your new place of residence.

- 10 -

(4) ReRe-issue
If your alien registration card is lost or stolen, you must apply for a new one. First,
report the loss or theft at the nearest police station or police box (kouban). While you
are there, you should get a Certificate of Loss or Theft.
Place of re-issue: your local municipal office.

Period of registration: within 14 days of the loss or theftRequired documents:
1. Application form

2. Passport

4. Statement of Reason

3. Two photos (if 16 or over)

5. Certificate of Loss or Theft(5) Replacement
If your alien registration card becomes conspicuously damaged or soiled, you can get
a replacement. Your card can also be replaced when there has been a change in yourname or nationality, a correction or change for other details such as name, date ofbirth, gender, etc. or when the amendment section on the back of the card has been
completely filled and can no longer be used.
Required DocumentsApplication form

Passport

Two photos (if 16 or over)Damaged or soiled alien registration card

Note that it is up to the official at the municipal office to decide whether a cardshould be replaced.
(6) Renewal
A certificate of Alien Registration is valid for a maximum of five years (seven years in
the case of people who hold the status of Special Permanent Resident or Permanent
Resident). When this expires, you must apply to renew your Alien Registration atyour local municipal office.
Required DocumentsPassport

Two photos (if 16 or over)

Alien registration card

Application form

- 11 -

Note that for children under 16, it is not necessary for the Alien Registration to be
renewed. Upon turning 16, a foreign resident must apply within 30 days of his or herbirthday.
(7) ReturnIf a foreign resident leaves Japan without a re-entry permit→

Alien registration card must be returned to the immigration officer at the port ofdeparture.

If a foreign resident takes on Japanese nationality or dies→

Alien Registration Card must be returned to your local municipal office within
14 days.

(8) Proof
Proof of Alien Registration
A document verifying your alien registration can be obtained from your local
municipal office for a small fee.

5. International Marriage and Divorce(1) International Marriage

Under Japanese civil law, women from 16 years of age and men from 18 years ofage may register a marriage. Any person under the age of 20 also requires
parental consent.



Under the Japanese Nationality Act, a Japanese national does not lose their
Japanese citizenship when they marry a foreign person. However, depending on
the law of their spouse’s country, the Japanese national may have to choose
between Japanese citizenship and the spouse’s citizenship.

When a Japanese national marries a foreign person in Japan, the foreign
spouse’s embassy or consulate in Japan and local Japanese municipal
authorities must be notified.

Required Documents
Marriage licenceJapanese: a copy of one’s family registerForeigner: certification of one’s legal capacity to be married and certification of
one’s nationality (documents in a foreign language must have an attachedJapanese translation).

Note that procedures may differ depending on individual circumstances.

- 12 -

(2) Divorce

If one partner within a marriage is a Japanese national who is resident in Japan,
under Japanese law divorce proceedings can be arranged once divorce papers
have been filed with mutual consent.



Send the required documentation to the local municipal office of either yourcurrent domicile or the Japanese partner’s legal domicile. (If the Japanese
partner’s legal domicile differs from one’s current domicile, then documentation
sent to the municipal office of one’s current domicile must be accompanied by acopy of the Japanese partner’s family register.)

Required Documents
Japanese: Resident Card

Foreigner: proof of Alien Registration and passport.

Note that in the case of a marriage where neither partner is Japanese, or where a
divorce is permitted in Japan but not in your home country, please check with
relevant authorities and / or your local municipal office regarding correct divorce
procedures.

6. Birth and Death Registration(1) Registration of Births
Time limit: within 14 days of birth.
Place of registration: local municipal office of your current domicile
Required Documents


Notification of Birth (this is attached to the Birth Certificate, which must be
filled out by a medical doctor. Papers submitted in a foreign language must havean attached Japanese translation.)Mother and Child Health Handbook

National Health Insurance Card (if a member of the national health insurance
scheme)- 13 -

Other necessary submissions should be made to:Your home country’s resident embassy

The Immigration Bureau for Status of Residence (within 30 days of birth)Your local municipal office for Alien Registration (within 60 days of birth)
Note that the second and third only apply if the child is born without Japanesecitizenship and will remain in Japan for 60 or more days after birth.

(2) Registration of Deaths
Time Limit: within seven days of the death becoming known.
Place of Registration: the municipal office of the deceased’s legal domicile
Required Documents


Death Certificate produced by a medical doctor(a Japanese translation must be attached if form is in a foreign language)

Application for permission for cremation (if the deceased is to be cremated inJapan)

Other:
The deceased’s alien registration card and national health insurance card (if amember of the national health insurance scheme) should be returned to theirlocal municipal office within 14 days of death.



Notification of death will be required by the embassy or consulate of thedeceased’s home country.
(Inquiries regarding the burial or cremation of the deceased in their homecountry should also be directed to an embassy or consulate.)- 14 -

III. Daily Life
1. Housing
It can be difficult to find a house or apartment in Japan, and contracts can be very
complicated with many terms and conditions. If you are looking for somewhere to live, itis probably best to get somebody who can speak Japanese to help you.
(1)(1) How to find Housing
Who to contact:Prefecture Managed Housing:
Tokushima Prefecture Housing Division Tel: 088-621-2592

City / Town / Village Managed Housing:
Officer in charge of Housing at municipal officePrivately Managed Housing:
Estate agent or real estate magazine(2) General Expenses When Moving to a New Residence
Example of expenses in Tokushima:Deposit: This is usually equivalent to three months’ rent. The landlord keeps thisdeposit as insurance against non-payment of rent, the cost of repairs etc. When yourcontract finishes, part of the deposit may be returned, or you may have to pay extra,
depending on the cost of repairs, etc.

Key money: Usually equivalent to one month’s rent. This is a non-returnable
payment to the landlord when you move in.



Agency fee: Usually equivalent to one month’s rent. If the housing contract is madethrough an estate agent, this fee is paid to the agency.

Rent and residents’ fees: Monthly charge for rent of your apartment, and joint costs
such as electricity and cleaning of the communal areas of the building.

Please Note

Depending on whether housing is privately or publicly owned, costs may differ fromthe above example. The basic pattern also varies in different parts of Japan.



Alterations and extensions should not be made without the landlord’s permission.

At least one month’s notice must be given if you wish to cancel your contract.

- 15 -

2. Electricity, Gas and Water
When you move in:Contact the nearest service centre and give your name, address, and the date fromwhen you wish to start using the service.

Payment of bills can be made through an automatic transfer from your bank account,or in person at a bank or post office.

When you move out:Contact the nearest service centre and tell them the date from when you wish tocancel the service.

Confirm the cost and payment method for the period just before you move out, andmake sure you pay before you leave. (This will not be a problem if you set up a banktransfer account that will stay open.)(1) Electricity
To start receiving electricity, contact the electric company and switch the circuit
breaker on your switchboard to 入 (on). The electrical frequency used in Tokushima
is 60Hz / 100V. (N.B. This is the standard for West Japan. In East Japan thestandard is 50Hz / 100V.)
Shikoku Electrical Company
Main Office088-622-7121

Tokushima and Komatsushima Area

0120-56-4552

Naruto Area

0120-31-6120

Anan Area

0120-16-1220

Kamojima Area

0120-03-6117

Ikeda Area

0120-41-0778

Wakimachi Area

0120-41-0779

Mugi Area

0120-11-1566(2) GasThere are two different types of gas service: City Gas and propane gas. First check
which type is used in your residence, and be sure to use compatible appliances. (Itcould cause a very serious accident if you use an appliance, such as a cooking stove,that is incompatible with your gas supply.)- 16 -

Contact:City Gas: (contact Shikoku Gas, Tel: 088-654-2171)
Someone from the gas company will come to your home and connect your gas
system.



Propane Gas: (contact your nearest propane gas supplier)
The name of the propane gas supplier can be found on a tag or sticker attachedto the gas cylinder.

(3) Water
Please contact your local water board about the start or termination of services.
Billing for water usage is sent every month, or every second month, and can be paid
at local banks, etc.

3.

Garbage Disposal
Most cities, towns and villages in Tokushima Prefecture have a garbage separating
system, but the system varies in different areas. Make sure you separate your garbage inthe correct way, and leave it at the specified collection point on the specified days andtimes. For large items of garbage such as furniture, you must contact the municipal office
and arrange to have the item collected. By law, to dispose of a large electrical appliance –refrigerator, air conditioning unit, television, or washing machine – you must arrange forit to be collected by an electrical store.
(There is a charge for this service.)

4. Telephone
With the increasing number of domestic telephone companies and international
telephone companies, there is now a huge range of services to choose from. Try collecting
information from the internet etc., to decide which company you want to use.
(1) Installing a Telephone
To install a telephone line in your home, contact your nearest NTT office (dial: 116).
Required DocumentsPassport or Alien Registration Card

Contract Form

Contract Fees
- 17 -

Subscription Rights
If you sell your telephone line subscription rights to, or buy them from a friend, thenthe personal seals or signatures of both parties are necessary to validate the sale.
Mobile Phones
honesYour visa must be valid for at least another 120 days to sign up for a mobile phone.
Required Documents

Alien registration card showing at least 120 days remainingPersonal seal for application formBank bookThe personal seal used on your bank bookPlease note that there are many service providers, so you can choose between various
different types of contracts and services. However, there are some companies andservices in other parts of Japan that are not available in Tokushima.
(2) Inquiries Regarding Telephone Services
For NTTInstallation / transfer – 116Break down / fault – 113



Directory inquiries (there is a charge for this service) – 104Collect call (reverse charges) – 106



Telegram (there is a charge for this service) – 115



Speaking clock (there is a charge for this service) – 117



Weather forecast (there is a charge for this service) – 177



Information (in English / Chinese; there is a charge for this service) 120-364-463(3) Making a Call
In Japan, telephone numbers have the form:
XXX – XXX – XXXX
(city code) - (local exchange code) - (subscriber number: last 4 digits)
Domestic Calls


Within the same city (e.g. from one Tokushima city number to another): local
exchange code + subscriber numberIn the same prefecture but a different city, or outside the prefecture (e.g. from
Tokushima to a Yokohama number):City code + local exchange code + subscriber number- 18 -

International Calls


From a public telephone - only certain public telephones can take internationalcalls. Some public telephones do not take cards. Telephone company’s accessnumber + 010 + country code + phone number (omit the initial 0)From a home telephone:
010 + country code + phone number (omit the initial 0)(4) Registering with MyLine
MyLine is a system allowing you to choose and register which telecommunications
companies you want to use in advance. For details of the companies, services andcharges, please contact the companies or the MyLine Centre (see below).
Please note that if you do not register with MyLine, your calls will automatically go
through NTT. A newly installed telephone line can be registered for the first time
free of charge. However, there is a charge any time after this for changing yourregistration.
Registering by phone(9am – 5pm)

Japanese
English・Chinese・

every day (except

Spanish・

New Year period)

Portuguese

Registering by fax



0120-000-747
0120-000-406
0120-000-698

About MyLine and MyLine Plus:
With MyLine and MyLine Plus, you can choose and register one company foreach of the following types of call:(A) Local (B) In-prefecture long-distance (C) Out-of-prefecture long-distance (D)International

MyLine: You can register telephone companies in advance, so when you make acall it will automatically go through that company, without you having to dial
the company’s access code.
(You still have the option of using different companies if you want to, by dialling
their access code before the telephone number.)

MyLine Plus: This service is like MyLine, but even if you dial a different
company’s access code, your call will still be routed through the company you
have registered. (You can use a different company by dialling 122 and then thecompany’s access code.)- 19 -



If you want to use a different company from the one you selected with MyLine:
Domestic calls:
XXXX + phone number
International calls:
XXXX + 010 + country code + phone number

If you want to use a different company from the one you selected with MyLine
Plus:
Domestic calls:
122 + XXXX + phone number
International calls:
122 + XXXX + 010 + country code + phone numberEnter the telephone company’s access number in place of XXXX.
E.g. 0033 (NTT Communications)
001 (KDDI), 0088 (Japan Telecom) etc.
Each company offers different services and prices.
Please refer to the above section regarding registration of the MyLine system
19(5) Major Country and Area Codes
America/Canada

1

Japan

81

U.K.

44

New Zealand64

Indonesia

62

Philippines

63

Egypt

20

Brazil55

Australia

61

France

33

Korea

82

Vietnam

84

Singapore

65

Peru

51

Thailand66

Hong Kong

852

Taiwan886

Malaysia

60

China

86

Mexico52

Germany49- 20 -

5. The Post Office and Postal Services(1) Domestic Mail
Types of mail:

Letters

Postcards



Small packets

Express mailCash registered mailHow to Address an Envelope
On the front, write the seven-digit Post Code in the boxes provided on the envelope.
If writing vertically, write the addressee’s address on the right and their name down
the centre, adding the kanji 様 (sama – a polite form of Mr / Mrs). The stamp should
go in the top left corner. On the reverse side, write your own address, and your nameto the left of it (without adding 様).
Postcards
The same as addressing an envelope, or you can write your own address on the front,
down the left side.
(2) International Mail
Types of Mail

Letters: up to 2kg. Cost depends on size, weight and destination.



Aerograms: available at post offices. ¥90 to anywhere in the world.



Post cards: ¥70 by air or ¥60 by sea, to anywhere in the world.



Printed Matter: books magazines, photographs and so on can be sent by a special
service which is very cheap compared to normal parcels. Write “Printed Matter”
on the parcel. Books and pamphlets can be sealed but other printed matter must
be sent unsealed.



Small packages: depends on the country of destination, but the maximum weightis usually 2kg. Attach a customs label (available at post offices) to the parcel,
and label it “SMALL PACKET”.



Parcels: there are limits on size and weight, depending on the country ofdestination.

- 21 -

Delivery Methods

Air mail: delivered in 4 -8 daysSea mail: takes between 20 days and 3 months, depending on the country ofdestination. It takes a long time but is around one third of the price of air mail.



SAL (Sea and Land) mail: delivered in 2-3 weeks. The price is cheaper than air
mail but more expensive than air mail.



Express Mail International Service (EMS): a fast delivery service for sending
documents etc. overseas. Delivered in 1-2 days to major cities. Note that thisservice is unavailable to certain countries.

(3) NonNon-Delivery Notice
If you are not at home to receive delivery of a parcel or registered mail, you will
receive a non-delivery notice. You should fill in the date when you want the item
delivered and mail it back to the post office. Alternatively you can take the notice,and some form of identification (e.g. alien registration card), to the post office andpick up the item directly. You will have to either sign or stamp your personal seal forit.
(4) Post Office Services
Many post offices in Japan offer not just postal services but a wide range of services
including savings accounts, foreign currency exchange, cashing travellers’ cheques,insurance etc.
Post Office Savings AccountWith a Post Office Savings Account you can withdraw and deposit cash at any
post office in the country, and if you open a general account, you can arrange foryour utility bills to be paid automatically.



If you get a Post Office Savings Account card, you can use the cash machines(ATMs) or cash dispensers in all major post offices in Japan. (See part 6“Banking” for instructions for how to use an ATM)

Documents required to open a Post Office Savings Account: Passport (not necessary
if you have your alien registration card), Alien registration card and Personal seal orsignature.

- 22 -

Post Offices

Business Hours

Monday – Friday

Some post offices are open

9:00 – 17:00

evenings,

Saturdays

andpublic holidays
Savings Accounts
Hours

Monday – Friday

TokushimaCentral

9:00 – 16:00

Office is open until 18:00

Post

Clement Plaza Post Office isopen until 17:00
Cash Machines

Mon–Fri 7:00 – 23:00

Usually no service charge

Sat 9:00 – 21:00
Sun / public holidays
9:00 – 19:00(5) Domestic Remittances

Postal order: postal orders are sent by registered mail. The recipient can
exchange the postal order for cash at their nearest post office.

Postal transfer: money can be transferred directly into a post office account.

(6) International Remittances (Sending Money Overseas)
There are certain countries or regions to which money cannot be sent, and the service
charge and time taken can vary. Please inquire at the post office for details.
Methods
Methods of RemittanceInternational postal orderSending a postal order to a recipient’s address
The post office will make out a postal order and it is sent to the recipient by
airmail. The recipient can exchange the postal order into cash at their nearest
post office.

Sending a postal order to a recipient’s bank account
The postal order is sent to the recipient’s bank and the money is transferred into
their account.

Note
With both A and B, in urgent cases, notice of the postal order can be sent by telegram
to the recipient’s country.

- 23 -

International postal transfer
This method is only possible if both the sender and recipient have a post officeaccount. The money is transferred directly into the recipient’s account overseas.
Note
In urgent cases, notice of the postal transfer can be sent by telegram to therecipient’s country.

6. Banking(1) Opening an AccountRequired DocumentsPassport or alien registration cardPersonal seal (signature will also be accepted)

Cash Cards
You can choose a PIN and have a cash card made when you open an account. A cash
card will let you withdraw money from almost any ATM or cash dispenser in Japan.
(2) Deposits
Types of DepositNormal deposit: the money can be withdrawn at any time.



Fixed term deposit: the money cannot be withdrawn for a fixed period (1 month,
months, 6 months, 5 years, 10 years etc). The interest rate is higher than anormal deposit.

Note
Ask at the bank about the conditions that apply.
(3) Overseas Remittances
ProcedureOverseas remittances can be sent to any officially recognised overseas bank.

Fill in an Overseas Remittance form, and choose from the following threemethods:(A) transfer by cheque (B) telegraphic transfer (C) mail transfer- 24 -

Note


Overseas remittances take about one week. However, remittances to certain
countries, such as South American countries and China, can take around one
month.



Service charges can vary depending on the country and currency – please ask at
the bank for details.



There are certain countries to which money cannot be sent, due to economic
circumstances, etc. Please check in advance.

(4) Hours of Business
Time

Notes

Business

Monday – Friday

Except public holidays

Hours

9:00 – 15:00

Cash

Awa Bank

Machines

8:45, 8:00, 9:00 – 18:00, 19:00, some machines can be used

Varies from place to place,

20:00, 21:00

on public holidays

Tokushima Bank
Weekdays

8:00-21:00,

weekends

and public holidays 9:00-19:00(5) Using an ATM
1. Deposit

4. Withdrawal

2 Transfer Cash to an Account

5. Transfer from your Account

3. Passbook Update

6. Balance Inquiry

1. 万(man) 10,000 yen

4. 確認Confirm

2. 千(sen) 1,000 yen

5. 訂正Correction

3. 円 Yen

6. 手続取消Cancel Transaction

Example: withdrawing
withdrawing ¥13, 000
1. Press the Withdrawal (お引きだし) button.
2. Insert your cash card or passbook.
3. Enter your PIN (secret number).
4. Enter the amount by pressing 1, 万, 3, 千, 円.
5. Check the amount. If it is correct, press Confirm (確認). If you need to make a- 25 -

(ア) correction, press Correction (訂正).
6. If you want a statement, press (発行する). If you don’t want one, press (発行しない).
7. Take your card, cash, and statement (発行する場合).

7. Convenience Stores
There are 24 hour convenience stores all over Japan, which not only sell food and othergoods, but also provide the following services:

Purchase of stamps, post cards, revenue stamps

Home delivery service

Payment of utility bills (electricity, telephone bills, TV license fees etc) and payment
for mail order goods

Photocopying, faxPhotograph developing, copies etc



Purchase of tickets for films, concerts, events

Purchase of telephone cards (domestic and international)

8. Driving
In order to drive in Japan, you must have either a Japanese driving license, or an
International Driving License as defined by the Geneva Convention. To get a Japanesedriving license, you can either get a foreign license transferred to a Japanese license, or
you can take the test to get a new Japanese license.
(1) International Driving License
An International Driving License, as defined by the Geneva Convention, is valid for
one year from the day you enter the country and allows you to drive any vehicles thatthe license document states you can drive.
(2) Transferring a Foreign Driving License to a Japanese Driving License
If you hold a driving license issued in a foreign country, you can get a Japanesedriving license by presenting your license and other documents, taking an aptitude
test, and proving that you have the appropriate knowledge and skills to drive inJapan.

- 26 -

Conditions
You must have lived in the country in which you obtained your driving license
for at least three months after obtaining your licenseYour driving license must be currently valid

Required DocumentsPassport (you must be able to prove you lived in the country in which you
obtained your driving license for at least three months after obtaining yourlicense, so if this is not clear from your current passport, bring the old one too)

Alien registration cardValid foreign driving license

A Japanese translation of your foreign driving license (you can obtain atranslation of your driving license for ¥3,000 from the Japan Automobile
Federation, JAF) You

can also have your license translated at the local authority for the governmentthat issued it (embassy, consulate, et.c).



One photograph (taken within the last 6 months; size 3cm×2.4cm)

Charge: test fee ¥2,400 for a normal licence, processing fee ¥1,650

Note

If your license is from one of 20 specified countries (Australia, Belgium, etc) you
are exempt from having to take a driving test. If your license is from any othercountry, including China, you must take a theory test and a driving skills test.



The theory test may be taken in any of these six languages: English, Chinese,Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, or Persian.

You can purchase a copy of the booklet “Rules of the Road”, which explains thelaws about driving in Japan, from JAF. (¥1,010, available in the six languages
listed above)(3) Getting a Japanese Driving License as a FirstFirst-Time LicenseGenerally, you should attend a driving school to study driving theory andpractical driving skills before obtaining a license.



A course of driving lessons costs approximately ¥300,000, but there is anadditional fee if you do not complete the course within the set number of hours.

To obtain your license, you must pass an aptitude test, a theory test and apractical driving test. The theory test is currently available in English, Korean
and Chinese (published by JAF) as well as Japanese.

Once a driving license is obtained, it must be renewed every five years. Anychange of address must be registered with the police.
- 27 -

(4) Contact Details of Relevant Organizations
Tokushima Prefecture Driving License Centre
Address:

Yokei 1-ban-chi, Oobara-cho, Tokushima City 770-8012

Tel:

088-662-0561

Access:Take a Tokushima City Bus bound for Omiko from bus stand number
four, and get off at the Jidousha-shikenjou-mae bus stop. From there it
is a five minute walk east.

Japan Automobile Federation (JAF)
Address:

Shin-Minami-Fukushima 1-4-32, Tokushima City 770-0867

Tel:

088-625-6511(5) Vehicle Insurance
Mandatory Automobile Third Party Liability Insurance
Automobile third party liability insurance is mandatory under the law. Anybody whoowns a motor vehicle or motorbike must have this insurance policy.
Optional Insurance
Additional insurance is not mandatory, however due to the very high costs ofcompensation if a traffic accident occurs, many Japanese drivers are enrolled in
optional insurance policies.
There are many insurance companies, and they can provide various policies offering
different amounts of compensation payments. It is strongly advised that you enrol in
optional insurance in addition to the mandatory insurance.
(6) Registering the Sale of a VehicleWhen a vehicle is bought, sold or passed on to a new owner, procedures must be
carried out to register the vehicle in the name of the new owner.



Usually, the second hand car dealer will carry out the registration procedure.

In the case of a private transaction (e.g. giving or selling a vehicle to a friend)
this procedure must be carried out at the Tokushima Land Transport Bureau.

- 28 -

Required DocumentsApplication form



Payment form

Vehicle insurance documentsPersonal seal and verification documents (of both the old and new owners; issued
within the last three months)

Official deed of transfer (www.skt.mlit.go.jp/benri/touroku1.html)

Registered personal seal

Certificate of ownership of garage / parking space

Inquiries
Tokushima Land Transport Bureau
Address:

1-1 Oujin Sangyo Danchi, Oujin-cho, Tokushima City 771-1156

Tel:

088-641-4811(7) Traffic AccidentsIn order to avoid other vehicles colliding with your vehicle, if possible, move it toa safe place and turn off the engine.



If anybody has been injured, call the fire brigade (119) and carry out any first aid
you can while waiting for an ambulance to arrive.

Also call the police (110) to report the site of the accident, the number of people
injured and the seriousness of the injuries.



Do not leave the scene of the accident until the police arrive.

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible so that they can carry out
the necessary procedures on your behalf.



It is a good idea to have a medical examination just in case.

- 29 -

IV. Medicine
Medicine and Health
1. Basic
Basic Knowledge about Medical Facilities
Consult a Local Doctor
It is important to have a local doctor with a clinic in your neighbourhood and with whom
you can consult whenever necessary. You should first visit a clinic in your area for an
examination upon showing mild symptoms. If you have a serious illness or symptoms ofwhich the cause is unknown, the doctor will refer you to a specialist hospital that canoffer specialist treatment.
General Points to consider in hospitals and clinics


If you are worried about language problems, use an interpreter service.



If there is something you do not understand, ask immediately.



Ask the doctor to explain such things as test results and methods of taking
medication as easily as possible until you understand.



Do not be late for appointments or consultation times.



Do not use a mobile phone or PHS phone inside a hospital or clinic.

Consult with the hospital in regards to inpatient costs, items you do not understand,services you may use. If there is a social worker at the hospital, consult with thesocial worker.



In Japan, there are many services you must apply for on your own, otherwise you will
not be able to make use of them. It is important therefore to know about them. If you
want such information, consult a social worker. Since consultation is free and privacy
is protected, feel free to consult a social worker or medical facility.

2. The Public Health Insurance System
In principle, all Japanese residents are covered by public medical insurance. All those
who enter the public system are issued with an insurance card (hihokenshasho,commonly know as hokensho). At a time of illness, injury or childbirth, etc. presentationof this card enables all those covered by public insurance and their dependants to receive
any necessary medical treatment at part of the normal cost.

- 30 -

HealthExpenses and Insurance

Insurance

Occupation

Premiums

Schemes*
government managed health private sector
insurance
employee*miscellaneous mutual aid
associations*
National Health
Insurance

National or local
government
employeeprivate school
employees

Self-employed /freelance /agricultural orforestry
employee

A portion of medical expenses to be
self-paid.
30% for individuals (20% for thoseunder three years of age and 10% for
those over 70 years of age) / 30% forfamilies for outpatient services and
20% for families for hospitalization.
Insurance Premiums: Employer andemployee pay half each according toamount of income
A portion of medical expenses to be
self-paid:
In principle, 30% for individuals andfamilies.
Insurance Premiums:
Decided according to previous year’s
income and the number of people tobe covered.



Benefits: Medical expenses and a sickness / disability allowance.

Procedure to claim benefits:** - undertaken by employer*- apply at your local municipal office (alien registration card necessary)

For further information contact:** - any social insurance office (see Chapter VII)*

- your local municipal office

3. Maternity, Birth & Vaccinations(1) Mother
Mother and Child Health Handbook
You should inform your municipal office when you have confirmed that you are
pregnant.



You will receive a Mother and Child Health Handbook, vouchers for free medical
check-ups, and a copy of “Mom’s Pocket”, Tokushima Prefecture’s supplement to
the Handbook.
Note that medical check-ups before and after the birth, and the child’sdevelopment for several years, should be recorded in the Mother and Child
Health Handbook, so please look after it carefully.
- 31 -

Services for the mother and child throughout the pregnancy and after the birth
are provided by the local municipal authority of each city, town, or village. A
general explanation of services is given below, but as the details can vary, pleasecheck at your local municipal office.
(2) Free Medical CheckCheck-ups and Services for the Expectant MotherGeneral medical check-up (twice)Hepatitis B antigen test (once)Ultrasound scan (for mothers over 35 years of age only; once)

Required Documents
Appointment cardMother and Child Health Handbook

Other Services


Parent education classes

Home visit service(3) Free Medical CheckCheck-ups for the Baby
Services Available

Test for congenital metabolic disorders, etc.
(5-7 days after birth)General medical check-up(twice - vouchers supplied when the birth is registered)

Test for congenital dislocation of the hip joint

Test for neuroblastoma(6-7 months after birth; a test kit will be supplied when the birth is registered, orsent around 4 months after the birth)Medical check-up for 18-month old child(notification will be sent)Medical check-up for 3 year old child(notification will be sent)(4) Medicaid Program
If an infant is sick, the local municipal authority will generally pay all medical
expenses for hospitalization up to 6 years of age; for outpatient treatment up to 3
years of age; but note that these ages may differ depending on the municipal- 32 -

authority.
Apply at Your Municipal Office
Procedures
Procedures

Register the birthRegister for health insurance

Apply for Medicaid Programme

Items Received
A. Medicaid Certificate B. Medicaid Receipt
Treatment is be free of charge if A and B are shown at the hospital.
(5) Vaccinations
Children receive the following vaccinations free of charge:



Polio



Triple vaccine (diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus)

Rubella

Japanese encephalitis

BCG, etc.

Please Note

Usually you will receive notification from your municipal office when the childreaches the appropriate age.



If you have just moved to a different area, you may not receive notification, so inthis case please contact the municipal office.

(6) Other Services for the Child
Services Available
Home visit service for newborn babies, premature babies or underweight babies

Child development advice serviceChild rearing and weaning classes(7) Child Benefits
Child benefits are available to those whose yearly income is below a certain level.
Apply at your local municipal office- 33 -

Required DocumentsDocuments required by municipal officePersonal sealBank account details

If you are applicable for this scheme, you will receive benefits until March 31 of theyear the child is 12 years old.
(8) Child Birth and Child Rearing Lump Sum Payment
If you are covered by health insurance, you will receive a lump sum payment to coverbirth and child rearing. The below values are based on figures for Tokushima City.
Also, note that there is no difference between national and private insurance.
National Health Insurance

Apply at the National Health Insurance desk of your municipal office when you
register the birth.

Payment - ¥300,000

Private Health Insurance

Available if the mother or her husband is a company employeeApply to the company



Payment - ¥300,000

4. Prevention of Infectious Diseases
In Japan, limitations on work, recommendation to enter a hospital for infectious diseases
and the disinfecting of one’s home is decided by law depending on the type of infectious
disease.
Tuberculosis
Though the number of people infected with tuberculosis is fewer than in the past, thedisease is the greatest infectious disease in Japan today. If the discovery of the disease islate, the possibility of infecting one’s family members and others around the infectedindividual is high. Receiving tuberculosis health examinations is important. You should
receive a tuberculosis health examination at your place of work, school, or at a publichealth office of the city, ward, town or village where you live.

- 34 -

Venereal Disease
Venereal disease does not only affect the infected person but their family anddescendents. To prevent the spread of venereal disease, syphilis serum reaction
examinations are provided at public health offices and some medical facilities.
Aids
AIDS is a disease that develops after being infected with HIV. The three routes are (1)blood, (2) sexual activity, (3) mother – child infection. Privacy will be protected at publichealth offices. Free consultation on AIDS and anonymous examinations are available
here. Those who think they might be infected are recommended to receive an
examination.

- 35 -

V. Working
1. Looking for WorkIn Japan, it is forbidden to discriminate against a person’s nationality or religion in
respect to pay or working hours, etc. Foreign workers employed in companies andfactories are entitled to the same rights as Japanese workers. It is important for a person
to know and understand laws and systems related to work.
(1) To be Employed in JapanYou must have a status of residence (zairyu shikaku) which allows you to work. The
content of the work and activities associated with that work must fall within thelimitations of that permit.
(2) Job Hunting in JapanYou can use public employment security offices (kokyo shokugyo antei sho) which areadministered by the government (these services are free), use a private employment
agency, or use a group which is certified by the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry(both free services and charged services are available).
(3) Public Employment Security Offices
Government-administered

PublicEmployment

Security

Offices

are

offer

consultation on and introductions to employment. Public Employment Security
Offices are now connected by a computer system, so, job vacancy data from aroundthe country can be obtained on the spot and job introductions made. If you canunderstand Japanese, please use the nearest Public Employment Security Office.
Contact: Local public employment security office.
* For further information, please take someone able to communicate in Japanese.

2. Employment Contracts(1) Employment Contracts
An employment contract is a contract stating the working conditions between each
employee and their employer. The employer must state in writing the working
conditions such as pay and working hours, etc. of the employee and give this tothem. Trouble can occur when only a verbal contract is made since there is noevidence of pay terms. It is therefore important to obtain a written contract with as- 36 -

many details as possible. If the contract is written in Japanese, have it translated
into your native language and check the contents.
(2) Details that must be statedstated in an employment contract

The term of the working contractPlace of work and work content

Work start and finish time, the possibility of work outside the specified work
hours, rest time, holidays, vacations, etc.



Pay terms, how it is calculated and method of payment, when it is to be paid,
information about pay increases



Details about retirement

If a company has fixed working regulations ask to see its ‘Work Regulations’ (shugyo
kisoku) and check the contents.
Contact: Local public employment security office (See list in chapter)* For further information, please take someone able to communicate in Japanese.

3. Wages(1) Method of payment of wages (pay)To ensure wages are properly paid, wages must, in principle, be paid (1) in money,(2) directly to the individual employee, (3) in full, (4) once or more a month, (5) on acertain day in accordance with the Labour Standards Law (rodo kijun ho).
(2) Minimum Wage
The minimum wage is decided by the Minimum Wage Law (saitei chingin ho). An
employer must pay employees more than the minimum wage. If an employer pays
less than the minimum wage, not only will they have to pay the employee thedifference, they may also be fined. The minimum wage differs depending on theregion and is revised every year. The minimum wage also applies to part-timeworkers.
(3) If wages are not paid
If wages are not paid, consult a Labour Standards Inspection Office (rodo kijun
kantoku sho) or labour enquires office immediately.
Contact: Local public employment security office* For further information, please take someone able to communicate in Japanese.

- 37 -

4. Dismissal and Retirement(1) What is Work Dismissal?
Work dismissal is the one-sided termination of an employment contract by theemployer. An employer must have a rational reason to dismiss an employee. If you
are dismissed without a justifiable reason, you should consult a Labour Standards
Inspection Office or a labour enquiries office immediately.
In the case where there is no fixed term of employment
An employer must give at least 30 days notice of dismissal to the employee. If theemployer dismisses an employee immediately, the employee must be paid an average
wage for 30 days or more as ‘notice pay’.
In the case where there is a fixed term of employment
An employer cannot dismiss an employee during the term of the employment
contract except under unavoidable circumstances. Even under unavoidable
circumstances, the employer needs to give 30 days or more notice or pay ‘notice pay’.
If you are dissatisfied with your dismissal
dismissal
If you are dissatisfied with your dismissal, you should express your dissatisfaction
with your employer and have the employer issue a Proof of Resignation (taishoku
shomei sho) to clarify the reason for the termination of the contract - whether it wasa dismissal or resignation. If you are not satisfied with the employer’s reason for
dismissal, you can consult a Labour Centre (rodo centre), a lawyer or othertrustworthy enquiry office. If you think your dismissal breaks the Labour Standards
Law, consulting a Labour Standards Office is also possible.
(2) Resignation (taishoku)
If the employee makes a request to resign and the employer agrees, the employment
relationship is terminated by a mutually agreed contract. An employee with no fixed
term of employment can leave the company two weeks after the date of theirnotification of resignation even if the employer does not agree with the resignation. If
the employee is working under a fixed term of employment, they cannot ask toterminate the contract during the fixed term except under unavoidable
circumstances. If an employer agrees to an employee’s resignation, the employee, in
principle, cannot withdraw their resignation request. It is important to be carefulwhen requesting resignation- 38 -

In the case of resignation, if the employee demands, unpaid wages can be paid withinseven days. Savings, wages and other money you have a claim to can also be
returned.
The employee must return to the employer any company ID cards, uniforms lent tothem, and their health insurance card by the date stated in the ‘working rules’.
Contact
Local Public Employment Security Office* For further information, please take someone able to communicate in Japanese.

5. Working Hours(1) Legal Working Hours
Working hours according to The Labour Standards Law are, in general, the hours
worked under the supervision and direction of the employer. If preparation for work,
tidying up after work, and training are done under the direction of the employer, thistime is considered to be within working hours.
Working hours are, in principle, 40 hours per week excluding break-time and within
8 hours per day. For small-size businesses (under 10 people), movie and theatre
businesses, health and hygiene businesses and entertainment/amusementbusinesses which deal with customers as a special measure, working hours are 44
hours per week.
(2) BreakBreak-Time
Employers must give at least 45 minutes of break time for work over six hours and at
least one hour break time for work over eight hours. The break time must be given
during working hours. This break time must be given to all employees at the sametime. Employees must be free to use this time as they wish. (This excludes certain
businesses and industries where a written agreement is made.) There are also laws
concerning pay for overtime work, extra pay, pay for holidays and vacations.
Contact
Local Public Employment Security Office* For further information, please take someone able to communicate in Japanese.

- 39 -

6. The Social Insurance System(1) Refer to IV. (2)(2) The Public Pension System
Regardless of nationality, anyone between the ages of 20 and 60 living in Japan isrequired to join a government managed pension plan. Private sector employees use
employees’ pension plans, public sector employees use mutual aid associations, andall persons residing in Japan (private sector, public sector, and other) must beentered into a national pension plan.
Government Managed Pension Plans
employees’ pension

mutual aid association

plans
Self-employed・
farmers・
students

national pension
full-time
private sector
homemakers
employees

public sector employees

Types of Pensions
Pension*
Employees’
PensionPlans*
Mutual Aid
Associations*
National
PensionOccupation

Premiums

private sector employee

national or local government
employee・private school employee・
agricultural, forestry, or fisheries
employee

The amount paid in
premiums depends on
income. Employer andemployee pay premiums inequal parts.

all persons residing in Japan (including ￥14 100 paid monthly
non-Japanese)*although currently fixed
this amount may be subject
to phased increases●Benefits: disability benefits, bereavement benefits, lump sum withdrawal payment●Procedures:** - undertaken by employer*- apply at your local municipal office●For further information contact:*- your place of work or a social insurance office*- mutual aid association*- your local municipal office- 40 -

(3) The Lump Sum Withdrawal Payment
Foreign residents who contribute to a pension fund in Japan can, upon returning totheir home country, apply for a lump sum withdrawal payment.
Conditions for Receipt


The applicant cannot be a Japanese national.

The applicant must have paid insurance premiums for six months or more.

The applicant must not have an address in Japan. (for those who departed
Japan since November 9 1994)

The applicant cannot have previously made any claim for a pension (including adisability allowance).

Note: The lump sum withdrawal payment must be claimed within two years of
departing
PeriodProcedure

I. Obtain the claim form, “Request of Arbitration for Lump-Sum
Withdrawal Benefit” from a social insurance office or your local
departure municipal office.
BeforeII. Attach all necessary documents and send the claim form to
the Social Insurance Agency.
III.
Payment should be made to the bank account of your choicedeparture
within three to four months.
After

Required Documents“Request of Arbitration for Lump-sum Withdrawal Benefit” claim form

Pension book (an orange or blue booklet)

A photocopy of the pages in your passport showing your date of departure fromJapan, your full name, date of birth, nationality, and signature.



A document stating the name of your bank, bank branch and branch address,bank account number, and account name to which you wish payment to be made.
This must be a bank in your home country.

Send To
The Social Insurance Agency
Adrress:

3-5-24 Takaido Nishi Suginami-ku
Tokyo 168 8505 JAPANTel:

03 3334 3131

- 41 -

(4) Tax Refund on LumpLump-Sum Withdrawal Payment of the Pension
After receiving the Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payment, Income Tax from that period
may also be refunded once the policy holder’s designated tax agent in Japan files anincome tax return on their behalf.

Procedures
Period The Policy Holder The Policy Holder’s Designated Tax Agent
PeriodThe Policy Holder

BeforeI. Submit “Declaration Naming a

The Policy Holder’s Designated
Tax Agent

departure Person to Administer theTaxpayer’s Tax Affairs”(nozeikanrinin no todokedesho)
form to tax office.
after

II. Receive the refund

IV. Submit tax return to tax office.

departure III. Send the original “Notice of

V. Refund is transferred to tax

the Lump Sum Withdrawal

agent’s bank account.

Payment” (dattai ichijikin

VI. Refund is remitted to the policy

shikyu kettei tsuchisho) toholder overseas.

designated tax agent in Japan.

- 42 -

VI. Education
1. The Japanese Education System
Education System
1. Elementary School (6 years, compulsory education)
2. Junior High School (3 years, compulsory education)
3. Senior High School (3 years)
4. Vocational College, Junior College, or University* In Japan, children normally go to nursery school or kindergarten before starting
elementary school.
School YearThe school year begins in April and ends the following March.

2. Starting School
School or Kindergarten
The information below is about general procedures for starting school or kindergarten. To
find out about entering a private school or kindergarten, please contact the school
directly.
(1) Nursery SchoolPublic nursery schools, run by the local municipal authority



Privately run nursery schools (this includes those endorsed by the local
municipal authority, and those that have not received official endorsement)

Age Range
This can vary depending on the school, but is usually from around two months of age
until five years old (elementary school age).
Public / Private Nursery Schools Endorsed by the Local Municipal Authority
EligibilityChildren are eligible for a place at a nursery school if they cannot be cared for athome, for reasons such as parents’ work or family circumstances.
Fees
Depends on the family’s income- 43 -

Admission at the Start of the School Year (April)
Apply at your local municipal office, or at the nursery school, in December orJanuary.
Admission during the School YearIf there are spare places, it may be possible for a child to start nursery school at any
point during the school year, so please ask at your local municipal office. It may not
be possible for all applicants to get a place at the school of their choice.
PrivatePrivate Nursery Schools Not Endorsed by the Local Municipal Authority
Eligibility: no special requirementsFees: a set cost, regardless of incomeApplication: you can apply directly to the school of your choice.

(2) Kindergarten
Public Kindergartens
Eligibility:

The child and parent / guardian must live in that city, town, or village.

Admission:

Please apply directly to the kindergarten in around December.

Private Kindergartens
There is an interview and test for those wishing to apply.
(3) Elementary School
School and Junior High School
Information
There is no compulsory education for non-Japanese children resident in Japan, but if
you wish your child to go to a Japanese elementary or junior high school, you should
consult with your local Board of Education.
Note:
Note:


Only those who have completed the compulsory elementary school curriculum
can enter junior high school.

In the case of children who cannot speak Japanese, they may be placed in alower school year than their actual age, after a meeting with the Board of
Education and the school.

- 44 -

(4) Senior High School
Admissions
An entrance examination must be taken and passed.
Eligibility
Applicants must be at least 15 years of age.

Applicants must have completed 9 years of school education in a foreign country,
or have graduated (or be expected to graduate) from a Japanese junior highschool.

- 45 -

VII. Tax
1. Types of Tax
Regardless of nationality, anyone residing in Japan must pay tax. There are three maintypes of tax relevant to residents in Japan. These can be classified as income tax, local
inhabitant tax, and indirect taxes such as consumption tax.
(1) Income Tax
Employers collect taxes from their employees’ salaries every year for the period
January 1 to December 31. However, people who are self-employed must calculate
their income, as well as calculate and pay their own income tax. For further
information contact your local tax office.
(See list in Chapter IX)(2) Inhabitants Tax
There are two types of inhabitants’ tax - prefectural tax and city / town / village tax.
The tax payer is taxed at the city, town, or village level according to their fixed
address on January 1.
The amount of inhabitants’ tax payable is decided according to an individual’s salaryfrom the previous year. Municipal offices send statements to those liable for payment.
Even if you move to a different city, town, or village, you will be liable to pay
inhabitants tax to the municipality you were resident in on January 1.
For further information, contact the tax division of your local municipal office.

(3) Consumption Tax
All goods and services are taxed at 5 % at the point of sale.
For further information, contact your local tax office.
(See list in Chapter IX)- 46 -

VIII. Introduction to Tokushima Prefecture
1. Introduction
Introduction to Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is located in the Eastern part of Shikoku Island. The land area isapproximately 4,150m2, of which about 80% is covered in mountains, including Mt.
Tsurugi, the second highest peak on Shikoku. The prefecture is blessed with beautiful
nature: the great Yoshino River (also known as Shikoku Saburo); sandy beaches in thenorthern coast, contrasting with rocky coastlines further South; and abundant forests.
Tokushima Prefecture had a total of around 300,000 households, and a total population of
approximately 810,000. (As of July, 2005)

Prefectural Emblems

Prefectural Tree

Prefectural Bird

Prefectural Flower

yamamomo

white heronsudachi flower(1) Tourist Attractions and Special Products
Tourist Attractions
Awa odori (awa dance festival); Naruto whirlpools; Iya kazura-bashi (vine bridge);
Oboke-Koboke gorge; dochu (sand pillars); ningyo joruri (puppet theatre)
Special Products

Aizome (indigo dyeing); indigo textiles; hand-made washi paper; otani-yaki(pottery), tarai udon (noodles), sudachi (citrus fruit), Naruto wakame (seaweed),
Naruto kintoki (sweet potato)(2) Tokushima Prefecture’s
Prefecture’s Sister City Relationships
Sister City Exchange Schemes
Tokushima Prefecture Sao Paulo, Brazil
Tokushima City

Saginaw, U.S.A.

Tokushima City

Leiria, Portugal

Tokushima City

Dandong City, China

Naruto City

Luneburg, Germany

Awa City

Saipan, Mariana Islands

Miyoshi City

Tukwila, U.S.A.

- 47 -

Minami Town

Cairns, Australia

Mugi Town

Puyanxiang, Taiwan

Friendship Exchange Schemes
Tokushima Prefecture Guangdong Province, China
Naruto City

Qingdao City, China

Miyoshi CityThe Dalles, U.S.A.

2. Tokushima Prefectural International
International Exchange Association (TOPIA)
If you need information or advice, read foreign books or magazines, have a problem, or if
you just want somewhere to relax with your friends then feel free to come to TOPIA any
time!
Services Available
Japanese classes



Library of foreign books and magazinesInformation in English, Chinese, Japanese

Advice / counselling serviceVarious eventsInternet access (there is a charge for this service)

Address:
Address:

6th Floor Clement Plaza
1-61 Terashima-honcho Nishi, Tokushima 770-0831

Tel:

088-656-3303

Fax:

088-652-0616

E-mail:topia@topia.ne.jp

Web site:www.topia.ne.jp/

Hours:

10am – 6pm
Open every day except the New Year period.
(December 29 – January 3)- 48 -

3. Major Govs
Govsernment
ernment Offices and Organisations in Tokushima Prefecture【Consultation Offices 相談所:Sodanjo】
OfficeTelephone No.
Address
Post Code
女性支援センター
088-652-5503 Tokushima-shi Showa-cho
Josei-Shien-Center 770-0942
5-chome 5-1
中央児童
088-622-2205 Tokushima-shi Showa-cho
770-0942
Chuo-Jidou
5-chome 5-1＊Josei-Shien-Center／women's crisis center and shelter＊Chuo-Jidou／child guidance center【Health Centers 保健所（支所）:Hokenjo (Shisho)】徳島088-652-5151 Tokushima-shi Shinkura-cho
Tokushima
770-08553-80(鳴門)088-685-3141 Naruto-shi Muya-cho Saita
772-0002(Naruto)Aza-Nishibari 48-1
阿南
0884-22-0072 Anan-shi Tomioka-cho
Anan
774-0030
Tsukudamachi 539-7(小松島)
0885-32-2135 Komatsushima-shi Horikawa-cho 1-27
(Komatsushima)773-0004
美波
0884-74-7343 Kaifu-gun Minami-cho
Minami779-2305
Okugawauchi Aza-Benzaiten 171
吉野川
0883-24-1114 Yoshinogawa-shi Kamojima-cho
Yoshinogawa
776-0010
Kamojima 106-2
美馬
0883-52-1017 Mima-shi Anabuki-cho AnabukiMima
777-0005
Aza-Myoren 23
三好0883-72-1122 Miyoshi-shi Ikeda-cho Machi
Miyoshi
778-0002
Aza-Machi 2542-4【Labour Standards Offices
労働基準監督署:Rodo Kijun Kantokusho】
徳島088-622-8138 Tokushima-shi Bandai-cho 3-5
770-8533
Tokushima
鳴門088-686-5164 Naruto-shi Muya-cho
772-0003
NarutoMinamihama Aza-Umamegi 119-6
阿南
0884-22-0890 Anan-shi Tomioka-cho
774-0030
Anan
Kitadori 40-1
三好
0883-72-1105 Miyoshi-shi Ikeda-cho Machi
Miyoshi
778-0002
2429-12【Public Employment Security Offices
公共職業安定所:Kokyo Shokugyo Anteisho】
徳島088-622-6305 Tokushima-shi Dekijima Honcho 1-5
770-0823
Tokushima
鳴門088-685-2270 Naruto-shi Muya-cho
Naruto772-0003
Minamihama Aza-Gongen 12
小松島
08853-32-3344 Komatsushima-shi Komatsushima
773-0001
Komatsushima-cho Sotobiraki 1-11 Komatsushima-Minato-G
odochosha 1-Kai
阿南
Anan
牟岐
Mugi
吉野川
Yoshinogawa
美馬Mima

0884-22-2016
774-0030
0884-72-1103
775-0006
0883-24-2166
776-0010
0883-52-8609
779-3602

Anan-shi Tomioka-cho
Tsukudamachi 540-1
Kaifu-gun Mugi-cho OazaNakamura Aza-Honson 52-1
Yoshinogawa-shi Kamojima-cho Kamojima Az
a-Nakanogou 388-27
Mima-shi Wakimachi OazaInoshiri Aza-Higashibun 5

三好Miyoshi

0883-72-1221
778-0002

Miyoshi-shi Ikeda-cho AzaMachi 2429-10- 49 -

【Tax Offices税務署:Zeimusho 】
徳島088-622-4131
770-0847
Tokushima
鳴門088-685-4101
Naruto772-0003
阿南0884-22-0414
774-0030
Anan川島
0883-25-2211
Kawashima779-3304
脇町
0883-52-1206
Wakimachi
779-3602
池田
0883-72-2155
Ikeda
778-0004

Tokushima-shi Saiwai-cho
3-chome 54
Naruto-shi Muya-cho Minamihama Aza-Higashihama 39-3
Anan-shi Tomioka-cho
Takinoshita 4-4
Yoshinogawa-shi Kawashima-cho
Miyajima 747-2
Mima-shi Wakimachi Oaza Inoshiri Aza
Nishinokubo 36
Miyoshi-shi Ikeda-cho
Shinmachi 1340-1【Social Insurance Offices
社会保険事務局(所):Shakai Hoken Jimukyoku(sho)】徳島地方
088-634-1170 Tokushima-shi Minami Tamiya
Tokushima Chihou 770-0004
2 chome 6-25
(阿波半田)
0883-64-3127 Mima-gun Tsurugi-cho Handa(Awa Handa)
779-4496
Aza-Ono 113
徳島南088-652-3111 Tokushima-shi Yamashiro-cho
Tokushima Minami 770-8054
Nishi 4-45
徳島北088-652-2800 Tokushima-shi Sako SanbanTokushima Kita
770-8522
cho 12-8【Universities 大学:Daigaku】
徳島（本部）
088-656-7000
770-8501
Tokushima
鳴門教育088-687-6000
772-8502
Naruto Kyoiku
四国088-665-1300
771-1192
Shikoku
徳島文理（本部）
088-622-0097
Tokushima Bunri
770-8560【Prefectural Board of Education
県教育委員会:Ken Kyoiku Iinkai】
学校政策課
088-621-3132
Gakkou Seisakuka 770-8570

Tokushima-shi Shinkura-cho
2-chome 24
Naruto-shi Naruto-cho
Takashima Aza-Nakajima 748
Tokushima-shi Ojin-cho
Furukawa Aza-Ebisuno 123-1
Tokushima-shi Terashimahoncho Higashi 1-8

Tokushima-shi Bandai-cho 1-1- 50 -