Introduction
The number of foreign nationals staying in Japan remains at a high level of approximately
2. 96 million as of the end of June 2022.
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 (16 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 fourth edition was revised, and the fifth 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 2023
Immigration Services Agency
The following Japanese ministries and agencies have contributed to the writing andproofreading 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

Table ofcontents

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

5Procedures for Recognition of Refugee Status....................................................................94-1

Definition of Refuge.......................................................................................................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 My number card(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............................................................... 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

Job hunting................................................................................................................... 20(1) Hello Work
(2) When you use a job placement agency

1-3

Forms of employment................................................................................................ 21(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

1-4

Labor contract.............................................................................................................. 23(1) Range of meaning of the term “worker”(2) Specification of working conditions

1-5

Wages............................................................................................................................ 25(1) Minimum Wage
(2) About the Minimum Wage
(3) Leave allowance2

Rules for working.................................................................................................................... 26
2-1

Payment of wages....................................................................................................... 26

2-2

Working hours, rest periods, rest days.................................................................... 26(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...................................................................... 28(1) Overtime work, and work on holidays(2) Premium

2-4Maternity health care, maternity leave, childcare leave /family care leave, etc.................................................................................................. 29(1) In case of pregnancy(2) Maternity leave(3) Childcare leave(4) Family care leave2-5

Resignation / Dismissal.............................................................................................. 31(1) Resignation(2) Dismissal(3) Bankruptcy of the company(4) Employment Insurance (Basic allowance)(5) Job Hunting Activities

3

Health and security................................................................................................................ 35
3-1

Healthy and safety working environment............................................................... 35(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........................... 39

Social Insurance and Labor Insurance................................................................................ 40
4-1

Health insurance / National health insurance........................................................ 40

4-2

National pension / employees’ pension insurance................................................ 40

4-3

Long-term care insurance.......................................................................................... 40

4-4

Employment insurance.............................................................................................. 41(1) Persons eligible for employment insurance(2) Payment of premiums

4-5
Chapter 4

1

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance........................................................ 41

Childbirth and Parenting
Procedures Related to Pregnancy....................................................................................... 42
1-1

Notification of pregnancy and issuance of a maternal and child healthhandbook (boshi kenko techo)................................................................................. 42

1-2

Prenatal health checkups........................................................................................... 42

1-3

Home visits by a public health nurse, midwife, or other healthcare
professional.................................................................................................................. 43

1-4

Parents’ classes (mothers’/fathers’ classes)........................................................... 43

2

Procedures after Birth........................................................................................................... 44
2-1

Notification of birth..................................................................................................... 44(1) Documents required for notification of birth(2) Other procedures

2-2
3

Notification of the childbirth to home countries................................................... 44Childbirth Expenses and Allowances.................................................................................. 45
3-1

Lump-sum allowance for childbirth......................................................................... 45

3-2Childbirth allowance................................................................................................... 45

3-3Childcare leave benefits (provision during childcare leave)........................................ 46(1) Benefits during childcare leave(2) Childcare leave at birth benefits (system starting from October 2022)

3-4Child allowance............................................................................................................ 48(1) Eligibility(2) How to receive the child allowance(3) Amount(4) Payment timing

4

Parenting................................................................................................................................. 49
4-1

Checkup of infants...................................................................................................... 49

4-2

Vaccinations................................................................................................................. 49

4-3

Medical expenses for children.................................................................................. 49

4-4

Facilities for preschool-aged children...................................................................... 49(1) Day care center (Hoikujo)(2) Kindergarten (Yochien)(3) Center for Early Childhood Education and Care (Nintei Kodomoen)

Chapter 51

4-5

After-school Children’s club (Hokagojido-club).................................................... 51

4-6

Family Support Center............................................................................................... 51

Education
Education system in Japan................................................................................................... 52
1-1

Elementary and junior high school........................................................................... 53

1-2

High school................................................................................................................... 53

1-3

Schools for foreign students ..................................................................................... 53

1-4

Evening Classes at Junior High Schools................................................................... 54

1-5

Examination for Granting an Equivalency Certificate of Lower Secondary
School Graduation ...................................................................................................... 54

1-6

Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination.............................................. 54

1-7

Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).................................... 55

1-8

Entrance examination to higher educational institutes ....................................... 56

2

3

Financial support for the education costs......................................................................... 57
2-1

Financial support for elementary and junior high students................................. 57

2-2

High School Tuition Support Fund............................................................................ 57

2-3

High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund......................................................... 58

2-4

Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students................................ 58

Learning Japanese................................................................................................................. 59
3-1

About the Japanese language................................................................................... 59

3-2

Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education................................... 59

3-3

Where to learn............................................................................................................. 60(1) Japanese language school(2) Japanese classes in local communities(3) Online classes, distance learning

3-4

Chapter 612Website for Japanese learners: “Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese”(known as Tsunahiro)...........................................................................61

Medical Services
Medical institutions................................................................................................................ 62
1-1

Types of medical institutions..................................................................................... 62

1-2

How to find medical institution................................................................................. 63

Medical Insurance.................................................................................................................. 64
2-1

Health Insurance.......................................................................................................... 64(1) Enrollment Requirements(2) Insurance premiums(3) Benefits

2-2

National Health Insurance......................................................................................... 66(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................................ 68(1) Enrollment Requirements(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application(3) Insurance Premiums(4) Benefits

3

Medicine.................................................................................................................................. 70
3-1

Pharmacies................................................................................................................... 70

3-2

Drugstores.................................................................................................................... 70

Chapter 7

1

Pension and Welfare
Pension..................................................................................................................................... 71
1-1

National Pension.......................................................................................................... 72(1) How to enroll the system(2) Contributions(3) Benefits

1-2

Employees’ Pension Insurance system.................................................................... 74(1) Eligible members (subscriber)(2) Contributions(3) Benefits

1-3
2

3

4

5

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments........................................................................... 77

Long-Term Care Insurance................................................................................................... 79
2-1

Eligibility........................................................................................................................ 79

2-2

Premiums...................................................................................................................... 79

2-3

Long-Term Care service.............................................................................................. 79Child Welfare........................................................................................................................... 80
3-1Child Allowance........................................................................................................... 80

3-2Child Rearing allowance............................................................................................. 80

3-3Special Child Rearing Allowance (for parents of children with disabilities)...... 81

3-4

Severe Disability Premium......................................................................................... 81

Welfare for persons with disabilities................................................................................... 82
4-1

Certification for Persons with Disabilities............................................................... 82

4-2

Public services for persons and children with disabilities.................................... 82

Public Assistance.................................................................................................................... 83
5-1

Requirements for Public Assistance........................................................................ 83(1) Utilizing Assets(2) Utilizing Skills(3) Other Allowances(4) Support from family members

5-2
6Types of assistance..................................................................................................... 84

Services to promote independence for people in need.................................................. 85

Chapter 8

1

Tax
Individual Income Tax............................................................................................................ 86
1-1

Taxpayer and scope of personal taxable income................................................... 87(1) Residents(2) Non-Permanent Residents(3) Non-Residents

1-2

Filing a tax return and payment................................................................................ 88(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.................................................................................................. 89(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................................................................... 90

1-5

Special cases by Income Tax Convention................................................................ 90

Individual Inhabitant Taxes................................................................................................... 91
2-1

Definition of Individual Inhabitant Taxes................................................................. 91

2-2

How to pay the Individual Inhabitant Taxes............................................................ 91

2-3

Miscellaneous.............................................................................................................. 91

3

Consumption Tax................................................................................................................... 92

4

Tax on your automobile......................................................................................................... 92
4-1

Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax.............................................................. 92(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...................................................................................................... 93

5

Property Tax............................................................................................................................ 93

6

Inquiries about tax................................................................................................................. 93
6-1

National Taxes.............................................................................................................. 93(1) By Telephone (Call center)(2) Tax Answers (FAQ on taxes)(3) National Tax Agency website

6-2

Inquiries on Local Tax................................................................................................. 94

Chapter 9

1

Traffic
Traffic rules.............................................................................................................................. 95
1-1

Safety guidelines for pedestrians............................................................................. 95(1) Walking on roads and sidewalk(2) Rules for crossing the street(3) Walking at night

1-2

Safety guidelines for cyclists..................................................................................... 96(1) Five rules to follow to ensure safety when riding a bicycle(2) Using intersections

1-3
2

3

Safety guidelines for drivers (automobiles and motorcycles)............................. 98

Driver’s license........................................................................................................................ 99
2-1

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

2-2

How to renew a Japanese driver’s license............................................................. 100

2-3

Penalty point system................................................................................................ 100

Ownership of motor vehicles (including motorcycles) ................................................. 100
3-1

Motor vehicle registration........................................................................................ 100(1) When to register and types of registration(2) Where to register

3-2

Parking Space Certificate......................................................................................... 101

3-3

Vehicle Safety Inspection (including some types of motorcycles)................... 102

3-4

Car Insurance............................................................................................................. 103(1) Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)(2) Voluntary Insurance (mutual insurance)

4

Chapter 10

1

2

Responding to a Traffic Accident....................................................................................... 105
4-1

Stop driving................................................................................................................ 105

4-2

Emergency calls to the police and an ambulance............................................... 105

4-3

Doctor’s diagnosis..................................................................................................... 105

4-4

Application for a Traffic Accident Certificate........................................................ 105

Emergencies and Disasters
Emergency call..................................................................................................................... 106
1-1

Medical emergencies, injuries, fires, etc. (119) .................................................. 106

1-2

Traffic accidents and crimes etc. (110) ................................................................ 107

Natural Disasters.................................................................................................................. 108
2-1

Tropical cyclones and intense heavy rain.............................................................. 108(1) Flooding of rivers(2) Sediment disaster3

Chapter 11

12

Chapter 121

2-2

Earthquakes............................................................................................................... 109

2-3

Tsunami....................................................................................................................... 111

2-4

Volcanic Eruption...................................................................................................... 112

Evacuation............................................................................................................................. 113
3-1

Evacuation shelters................................................................................................... 113

3-2

Evacuation information provided........................................................................... 114

3-3

How to evacuate........................................................................................................ 115

3-4

Useful Disaster Weather information.................................................................... 117

Housing
Japanese Housing................................................................................................................ 119
1-1

Privately Owned Housing......................................................................................... 119

1-2

Public housing............................................................................................................ 119

1-3

UR Rental Housing.................................................................................................... 119

1-4

Private Rental Housing............................................................................................. 119

Moving-in.............................................................................................................................. 120
2-1

Public housing............................................................................................................ 120

2-2

UR Rental Housing.................................................................................................... 120

2-3

Private Rental Housing............................................................................................. 120

Daily rules and customs
Life rules................................................................................................................................. 123
1-1

Garbage....................................................................................................................... 123(1) Basic rules for garbage disposal(2) Illegal dumping

2

1-2

Making Noise............................................................................................................. 125

1-3

Restroom.................................................................................................................... 125

1-4

Mobile phone use...................................................................................................... 125

1-5

On a bus or train........................................................................................................ 125

1-6

Hot springs and bathhouses.................................................................................... 126

1-7

Prohibition signs........................................................................................................ 126

Prevention of infectious diseases...................................................................................... 127
2-1

Hand washing............................................................................................................. 127

2-2

Coughing manners.................................................................................................... 128

2-3

Humidity..................................................................................................................... 128

2-4

Rest and nutrition...................................................................................................... 128

2-5

Going out.................................................................................................................... 128

3Lifestyle necessities............................................................................................................. 129
3-1

Community life........................................................................................................... 129(1) Community groups (Residents’ association and neighborhood association)(2) Relationship with your neighbors

3-2

Crime Prevention....................................................................................................... 129

3-3

Utility services............................................................................................................ 130(1) Electricity(2) Gas(3) Water

3-4

Mobile phones........................................................................................................... 132(1) Mobile phone contract(2) Warnings for using services for mobile phone contracts

3-5Bank Account............................................................................................................. 133(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.................................................................................................................. 134

Public Transportation........................................................................................................... 135
4-1

IC Cards issued by railway companies................................................................... 135(1) General functions(2) Registered card(3) Non-registered card
(4) Deposit

4-2

Trains............................................................................................................................ 136(1) How to get on a train(2) Types of ticket(3) Other tickets

4-3

Bus............................................................................................................................... 137(1) Traveling long distances (Long-distance buses)(2) To move in and around the city (Local buses)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

Residence Card

		 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.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

A residence card is an ID for foreign residents in Japan. It shows your identification information,
the period you can stay in Japan (period of stay) and the activities that you can conduct in Japan(your status of residence), and so on.

Chapter 3

1

Procedures for
Entry/Residence

Chapter 6

A residence card is issued to a person who stay in Japan over three months. (Such person isis 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 person 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 where residence card is not issued

Chapter 7

A Person to Whom Residence Card Is Issued

1

Procedures for Entry/Residenceii		When a new landing permit is given at an airport or a port not mentioned aboveiii		

When you receive permission for extension of the period of stay.

When you receive permission for change of the status of residencev		

When you receive permission for acquisition of status of residence

Moving in Notification

1-3

Loss of Residence Card		

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 11

Necessary Documents

Chapter 10

You need to apply for reissuance of your residence card at the Regional Immigration Services
Bureau within 14 days of the day when the loss is found.

Chapter 9

See: Chapter 2-1, 1-1 Notification of Address

Chapter 8

As his/her Residence Card (in the case of 1-1 i) or passport (in the case of 1-1 ii) is required
to file the said notification, please make sure to bring either of them.

Chapter 7

A person who has had been issued his/her Residence Card need to register his/her address /place of residence (file moving-in notification) within 14 days after his/her residence has been
determined.

Chapter 6

1-2

Chapter 5➡		 If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality and wishes to continue his/her stay in 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 days from the date of birth (cf. 2-4). A new residence card will be issued if his/her application is permitted.

Chapter 4➡		 If you need to change your status of residence, please apply for change of status ofresidence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (cf. 2-2). A new residence card
will be issued if your application is permitted.

Chapter 3iv		

Chapter 2➡		 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
new residence card will be issued if your application is permitted.

Chapter 1➡		 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.

1

Procedures for Entry/Residence

1-4

Return of Residence Card•(leaving Japan after finishing your activities)		When a family member or someone you live with died•		 If you left Japan with re-entry permission and special re-entry
permission but did not return to Japan within the validity periodof the re-entry permission and special re-entry permission•

		When you were naturalized as a Japanese citizen

within 14 days by either of the following methods.
		 Bring the residence card to the nearest Regional
Immigration Services Bureau.

•		Send the residence card by mailTo:

Chapter 7

Odaiba Branch Office, the Tokyo Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Tokyo Port Joint Government Building 9F, 2-7-11 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064(Please write “Return of the Residence Card” on the front of the envelope)

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

In the cases above, please return your residence card

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

		 Please return your residence card to an Immigration officer at an airport or seaport when
you leave Japan.

Chapter 2

Leaving Japan Re-entry Nonreserving

Chapter 1

You need to return your residence card to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau in thefollowing circumstances:

Chapter 8

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 9https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00020.html

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

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

Chapter 4

Necessary Documents		Passport•		

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

		 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 stayDocumentation that specifies your planned activities in Japan etc.

Necessary Documents
Passport•		

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

		 A photograph (4 cm long × 3 cm wide, taken within three months, notrequired 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/16-2.html○Search by status of residence○https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/index.html

4Chapter 12•

Chapter 11		Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

If you wish to stay in Japan and change your present purpose of residence, you need to apply
for change of status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 8

Change of status of residence (Change of purpose ofresidence)

Chapter 7

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3.html

2-2

Chapter 6https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3-1.html
		Chapter 5••

Chapter 3

If you wish to continue your stay in Japan beyond your currently
authorized period of stay, you need to apply for an extension of period ofstay at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 2

2-1

Procedures relating to status ofresidence

Chapter 12

1

Procedures for Entry/Residence

Permission for permanent residence

Necessary Documents
		

Chapter 3•

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

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

other documents (see the following for details) are required, please register a birth at an office of municipality before

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

		Passport (if one has already been issued)•		An application form for permission to acquire status of residence•		 Certificate of entry items in birth notification (It is available at office of municipality) orother documents that proof birth•		

Documentation that specifies the child’s planned activity in Japan•

		 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 12https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-10.html

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

Necessary Documents

Chapter 9

applying for acquisition of a status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.

Chapter 8*		 As a birth certificate (Shussei todoke kisai jikou shoumeisho, or “Certificate of Entry items in Birth Notification”) and

Chapter 7

If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality and wishes to continue his/her stay inJapan beyond 60 days from his/her birth, it is necessary to apply for acquisition of his/her statusof residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 30 days from the date of birth.

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 5

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 4•2-4Chapter 2

Those who wish to reside permanently in Japan need to apply for permanent residence. If
permanent residence is granted, you can engage in any activity in Japan and stay in Japan as longas you like. Furthermore, you do not have to carry out procedures to extend your period of stay orchange your status of residence.

Chapter 12-3

1Procedures for Entry/Residence		Passport		

Residence Card•		 An application form for permission to engage inactivities 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

See the following URL for details:

Notification to Regional Immigration Services Bureau(1) Notification of the accepting organization

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
Training, Student or Trainee
Change of the name of the accepting organization

notified•

Change of the location of the accepting organization•

Extinguishment of the accepting organization•

Left from the accepting organization•

Transfer from the accepting organization

Notification period

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•

Chapter 11

Matters to be

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 9

Status of Residence

Chapter 8

If you have one of the statuses of residence below, and if something changes regarding theorganization you are affiliated with, you need to notify the Regional Immigration Services Bureauof that change.

Chapter 7

2-6

Chapter 6https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-8.html

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Necessary Documents

Chapter 2

If you wish to work with a status of residence that does not permit you to work (statusof residence of “Student”, “Dependent” and so on), or to engage in activities other than thosepermitted 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
at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau. (See Chapter 3-1 1-1 to confirm which activities are
permitted under your status of residence.)

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 Labor, Specified Skilled Worker
Change of the name of the organization of affiliation

notified•

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

You are required to notify within 14 days.

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

requiring

Resident who has a status of a spousenotifications
Divorce your spousenotified•

Bereavement of your spouse

Notification Period

You are required to notify within 14 days.

See the following URL for details:

See the following URL for details of electronic notification:

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

Chapter 11

Electronic notification by internet is possible for these notifications, other than bringing to theservice counter and mailing.

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

Matters to be

Chapter 7

Status of residence

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

Chapter 5

Notification Period

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Matters to be

Chapter 1271Procedures for Entry/Residence

Foreign nationals who are expected to contribute to the economic growth of Japan with their advanced

Chapter 1

Points-based preferential treatment for highly-skilled foreign professionals
capabilities and qualities are preferentially treated with regard to their activities and period of stay.

at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus, and if they get 70 points or more in total, they are admitted as		Permission to engage in activities covering multiple statuses of residence•		

Grant of period of stay for 5 years•

		

Relaxation of requirements for permanent residence concerning the period of stay in Japan and so on

See the following URL for details:

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

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3“Highly- Skilled Foreign Professionals” and are given the following preferential treatment.

Chapter 2

This is a points-based system where foreign nationals are evaluated based on their “academic
background,” “professional career”, “annual income” and so on. Foreign nationals who apply for this system

Chapter 5

Re-entry Permission (re-enter Japan with

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 re-entry permit at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau
nearby, they can re-enter into Japan with their currently admitted status of residence and periodof stay (up to 5 years at the maximum. Or up to the date of expiration when the date of expirationof the period of stay comes earlier than 5 years).

Chapter 11(2) Re-entry permission (returning to Japan after more than 1 year )Chapter 10

If the foreign nationals return to Japan within 1 year (or until the date of expiration of periodof stay when the date of expiration comes earlier than 1 year from the date of departure), re-entry
permission procedure at Regional Immigration Services Bureau will be exempted as long as they
have Residence Card and valid Passport.

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
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 7

currently admitted status of residence)

Chapter 63

1

Procedures for Entry/Residence

Procedures for Recognition of Refugee
Status

Chapter 3

4-1

Definition of Refugeof that country etc.

Chapter 5		 A person who, owing to well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion,
nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of
his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection

Chapter 4

The term “Refugee” is those to whom Article 1 of the Convention relating to the Status of
Refugees and the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees applies and defined as follows:•

Chapter 2

As Japan is a member of the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol
Relating to the Status of Refugees, we recognize refugee status and take various protective
measures for refugees defined by the Convention, etc.

Chapter 1

4

Chapter 6•

		 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 canapply for this status. A foreign national, when he / she is recognized as a refugee, is issued a
Certificate of Refugee Status, and is granted a residence status of “Long Term Resident” etc.

Chapter 7•

		 A foreign national who has been recognized as a refugee, based on his/her application, will
receive a refugee travel document in place of a passport.

•

		 A foreign national recognized as a refugee and his/ her family can benefit from the Settlement
Support Program, which includes Japanese language education, guidance for living in Japanand job placement.

Chapter 8

Request for Administrative Review

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
the opinions of the refugee examination counselors who have an academic background in law orinternational affairs.

Chapter 11

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.

Chapter 10

4-3

Chapter 9

Application for Recognition of Refugee Status

4-2

1

Procedures for Entry/Residence

5-1

Major Grounds for Deportation•

		 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
the status of residence previously granted

•

		

5-2

Receiving a certain criminal punishment

If You Are Deported

Departure Order System

Requirements for the Departure Order System•

		 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 work for certain crimes
such as theft in Japan.

•		He/she has never been deported in the past.

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

•		It is expected with certainty that he/she will leave Japan promptly.

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

5-4

He/she must voluntarily appear at the Immigration Office with intention to leave Japan.

Chapter 11		Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 8

When you leave Japan due to the departure order system, in principle, you will not be allowed
to enter Japan for one year.

Chapter 7

If all of the following requirements are met, an overstayer will be allowed to leave Japanthrough simple procedures without being detained.

Chapter 6

5-3

Chapter 5

If you are deported, in principle, you will not be allowed to enter Japan for five or 10 years. If
you are deported due to receiving a certain criminal punishment or some other particular grounds,
you will not be allowed to enter Japan anymore.

Chapter 4

		 Remaining in Japan after the period of stay (Please note that even a stay for just one day
beyond your authorized period will constitute overstaying and subject you to deportation.)

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

Deportation Order etc.

Chapter 1

51Procedures for Entry/Residence

Contact for information about Proceduresfor Immigration and Residence

Sapporo Regional
Immigration Services Bureau

12-chome Odori-nishi Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi Hokkaido
060-0042

Yotsuya Tower 14F, 1-6-1, Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
160-0004

Chubu Airport Branch

1-1 CIQ bldg.3rd floor CENTRAIR Tokoname-shi, Aichi
479 - 0881
1-29-53 Minami-kohoku, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
559-0034

Osaka Regional Immigration
Services Bureau
Kansai Airport Branch

Senshukukonaka 1, Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka 549-0011

Kobe Branch

29 Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 650-0024

1766-1 Kuno-cho, Ushiku-shi, Ibaraki 300-1288

1-15-15 Higawa, Naha-shi, Okinawa 900-0022

644-3 Kogashima-machi, Omura-shi, Nagasaki 856-0817

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

11

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

Chapter 12

Higashi-Nihon Immigration
CenterOmura Immigration Center

3-5-25 Maizuru, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka 810-0073

Chapter 112-31 Kamihatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima
730-0012
1-1 Marunouchi, Takamatsu-shi, Kagawa 760-0033

Chapter 10

Hiroshima Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Takamatsu Reginal
Immigration Services Bureau
Fukuoka Regional
Immigration Services Bureau
Naha Branch

Chapter 95-18 Shoho-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi 455-8601

TEL 0476-34-2222(main number)
0476-34-2211
TEL 03-5708-3202
TEL0570-045259(IP/from overseas:045-769-1729)
0570-052259(IP/ from overseas)
TEL 052-217-8944
TEL 0569-38-7410(main number)
0570-064259(IP/ from overseas)
TEL 06-4703-2050
TEL 072-455-1453(main number)
TEL 078-391-6377(main number)
TEL 082-221-4411(main number)
TEL 087-822-5852(main number)
TEL 092-717-5420(main number)
TEL 098-832-4185(main number)
TEL 029-875-1291(main number)
TEL 0957-52-2121(main number)

Chapter 8

Nagoya Regional
Immigration Services Bureau

TEL 03-5363-3039

Chapter 7

Haneda Airport Branch
Yokohama Branch

Registration
Office1-1 Narita International Airport Second Terminal bldg.6th
floor Aza-Furugome, Furugome Narita-shi Chiba 282-0004(Management and Inspection Division)
2-6-4 CIQ bldg. Haneda Airport Ota-ku Tokyo 144-0041
10-7 Torihama-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama-shi Kanagawa
236-0002

Chapter 6

Narita Airport Branch

Notices related to overseeing agency,notices
by the overseeing agency
Status of Residence Online Application
Procedures
Examination Record Management

Chapter 5

Status of
Residence
Registration
OfficeChapter 4

Tokyo Regional Immigration
Services Bureau
Yotsuya Branch Office

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(main number)
TEL 03-5363-3030

Chapter 3

Sendai Regional Immigration 1-3-20 Gorin Miyagino-ku Sendai-shi Miyagi 983-0842
Services Bureau
Tokyo Regional Immigration 5-5-30 Konan Minato-ku Tokyo 108-8255
Services Bureau

0570-003259(IP/ from overseas)
TEL 011-261-7502
TEL 022-256-6076

Chapter 2

Regional offices of Immigration and Residence Control

Chapter 1

61

Procedures for Entry/Residence

Information Center

Counselors are in:Established in the Regional Immigration Services Bureausin Sendai, Tokyo, Yokohama (branch), Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe(branch), Hiroshima, and Fukuoka
Deployed in Sapporo, Takamatsu, and Naha (branch)

TEL 0570-013904(IP, PHS, fromoverseas:03-5796-7112)

Chapter 1

Foreign Resident General
Information Center

Chapter 2

7-1

Immigration Services Agency Website

Chapter 4

Information Transmission from
Immigration Services Agency

Chapter 3

7

Chapter 6

Immigration Services Agency website:

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

Immigration Services Agency SNS, etc.

https://twitter.com/MOJ_IMMI

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

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

List of Twitter accounts of Regional Immigration Services Bureaus:

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

12Chapter 12

Regional Immigration Services Bureaus also provide information on theircongestion status through their twitter accounts.

Chapter 11

Email distribution service:

Chapter 10

Facebook account of Immigration Services Agency:

Chapter 9

Twitter account of Immigration Services Agency:

Chapter 8

The Immigrations Services Agency opened various types of SNS, etc. to provide guidance on
new systems and transmit information that would be useful for everyday life of foreign residents.

Chapter 7

7-2

Chapter 5

The Immigration Services Agency website provides guidance on the procedures for
immigration and residence, etc. The information is given in 14 languages in addition to Japanese.

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
their Japanese nationality•

		 As your Residence Card (or passport, if your Residence Card is to be issued later) is necessary
for the notification, please make sure to bring it.

•		 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.

•		Chapter 9

		 You need to file a moving-in notification with your municipal office within 14 days after you
settled into a new address.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7(1) If you entered Japan by receiving a new landing permission

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

Process after moving-in notification is as follows;•		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).

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 response.

For details, 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 12iii.		

When your Certificate of Residence is created;

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10i.		 When you file a moving-in notification, your address is registered on your Residence
Card at the same time.

2

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

After moving→ You need to file a moving-in notification with the municipal office where you willreside within 14 daysii.		

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
you move.

1-2

Notification of Marriage

Chapter 7

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 notificationis 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 embassyor (general) consulate in Japan.(Note 1)

		 If you submit documents written in a foreign language, suchas a certificate of legal capacity to contract marriage, a Japanesetranslation must be attached to all of such documents. (Note 2)(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
Although marriages that are contracted in Japan are valid in Japan, such marriages are notnecessarily valid in your country. You should inquire regarding its validity at the embassy/ (general)
consulate in Japan of your native country.

14

Chapter 12(Note 1) Some countries do not issue this certification. In that case, you are required to submit an alternative document.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

Japanese

Chapter 9(1) Documents Required for a Marriage Registration

Chapter 8•		Chapter 6https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu/english/
move-in_move-out.html

Chapter 5

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 4

within 14 days after you move.

Chapter 3

Before moving→ You need to file a moving-out notification with themunicipal office where you lived

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

i.		

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

Notification of Divorce
Chapter 1

1-3

When you divorce in Japan•

		 Requirements differ depending on a place where you live or your nationality, and therefore,
you should inquire at the municipal office for details.

•

		 When your spouse has not agreed on the divorce, the procedure for divorce by arbitrationor judicial divorce will be taken at the Family Court.

Notification of Death		

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

•		 The notification has to be done within seven days after the date that the death became
known.

•

		 You can notice a death to the office of the municipal office where the foreign national died,or where your address is located.

		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(1) Documentation required for notification of death

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

When a foreign national dies in Japan

Chapter 8

1-4

Chapter 7

If you are worried that your spouse (Japanese national) might submit your divorce notification
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 andsubmitting an appeal for rejection of divorce notification.

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

Chapter 5

Divorces that are contracted in Japan are valid in Japan, however, are not necessarily valid inyour country. You should inquire regarding its validity at the embassy/(general) consulate in Japanof your native country.

Chapter 4(1) Validity of divorce in your country

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 2•

2

Procedures 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.
9th floor, Tokyo Port Joint Government Bldg., 2-7-11 Aomi, Koto-ku,

Chapter 2

Address: Tokyo Regional immigration Services Bureau Odaiba Branch Office

Chapter 1

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

Tokyo 135-0064
envelope.)

Seal Impression Registration

Chapter 5

About Seal Impression Registration→ 	 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.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

Documentation required for Seal Impression Registration

Chapter 7(1) Procedures for seal impression registration

Chapter 6

		 The procedure that registers a seal (a hanko) at the municipal office iscalled a seal impression registration.

•

Chapter 4

1-5

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

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

2-1

About My Number System•

		

A My Number is necessary such as in the following occasions:		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 by impersonating you.

My Number Card (Individual Number Card)(1) Contents

Back side:

Chapter 8

Front side: 	Name, Address, Date of birth, Sex, Photo of yourself facing forward, the term ofvalidity

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

•

ii.		

Chapter 3i.		 When you receive a pension, childcare allowance or medical
services

Chapter 2

My Number System

Chapter 1

2

My Number
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Back side•		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 various certificates including a certificate of residence etc. atconvenience stores (you can also get it on public holidays. In some municipalities, you may not
be able to get a copy of certificates.)•		

Use it as a health insurance card

17

Chapter 12(2) When to use My number card

Chapter 11

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).

i.		

Application using a smartphoneii.		

Application using a PC

iii.		

Application by mailiv.		

Application using an ID Photo Booth (you can only apply from certain booths)v.		

Apply for a My Number Card at the municipality office (with some exceptions).

*		 If you apply for My Number Card at the counter of the municipal office after receiving identity confirmation, you
can receive it by mail.

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

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
your My Number Card by bringing the postcard and necessary documents with you to themunicipal office.

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

Chapter 10

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 9

		 Fill in the necessary items on an application form and submit it to the municipal
office where you live.

Chapter 8

		 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.

Chapter 7

		 Paste a photo facing forward on an application form, fill the necessary things of theform, and put it in the post.

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 4

If you weren’t able to make an application for a My Number Card when you moved into the
new address, you can apply with an application form which will be sent to you later by following
measures.

Chapter 3

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

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

Chapter 1

on the following website:

2

Procedures at Municipal Offices

2-3

Notes about handling My Number Cards

		 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
renewed.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

		 When there is a change in any of the items listed on your My Number Card such as yourname, address and so on, you need to report the matter to the municipal office where you live.

Chapter 1•*		 You need to pay attention to the special provision period which will occur upon application for the status of residence.
Card, you need to extend the validity date of your My Number Card for two months (special provision period).
		 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:

Other matters
If you need further information, please access following website.
About My Number Card

https://www.digital.go.jp/policies/mynumber/

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

Chapter 8

About My Number System

Chapter 7

2-4

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

Chapter 5

new date of expiration of the period of your stay.

Chapter 4

		 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 9
Chapter 10

You can also inquire by telephone.
(Mon.-Fri 9:30-20:00 Sat. Sun. and holidays 9:30-17:30)◎ Japanese◎ English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese

TEL 0120-0178-27

19

Chapter 12

TEL 0120-95-0178

Chapter 11

Call CenterChapter 3

Chapter 5

Foreign nationals can be divided into the following three categories, which are determined bytheir possibility of getting permission to work.

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 3

Status of Residence

Chapter 2

1-1

Basic knowledge before starting work

Chapter 1

1

Employment/
Working

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

Permanent Resident, Spouse or child of Japanese National etc., Spouse or child of Permanent
Resident etc., Long-term Resident

Chapter 10

1-2

Job hunting

Chapter 11(1) Hello Work
		 At Hello Work (Public Employment Security Office), you can receive job introduction. For
details of Hello Work, please see p34.

20

Chapter 12•

Chapter 9

Status of Residence which people are permitted to work without restriction

Chapter 8

Cultural Activities, Temporary Visitor, Student, Trainee, Dependent

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 6

Diplomat, Official, Professor, Artist, Religious Activities, Journalist, Highly-Skilled Professional,
Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Researcher, Instructor, Engineer/
Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Nursing Care,Entertainer, Skilled Labor, Specified Skilled Worker, Technical Intern Training, Designated Activities(Working Holiday, Foreign Nurse and Certified Care Worker, etc., based on Economic Partnership
Agreement (EPA))

3

Employment/Working(2) When you use a job placement agency
		 When you use a fee-charging job placement agency, in order to avoid troubles of jobhunting, please use appropriate companies.

Are you asked for money for job placements?

Can you confirm if the job placement agency has a license for job placement?

Have you been notified properly about labor conditions?

•		

For details of license/notification, you can confirm on “the Comprehensive Site for Human

Chapter 4

As it has been decided to present recruiting conditions through documents, including thecontents, wages and locations, please make sure to confirm and keep such documents.

Chapter 3

In order to introduce jobs (job placement), as a license is required, please make sure to confirm
the license number and keep a note about it.

Chapter 2

You need not to pay money for job placement nor for work; in the case you have paid, you should
retain evidence.

Chapter 1•

Resources Service”.
initDisp&screenId=GICB101010

Forms of employment•

		

Dispatched workers work as follows:ii.		

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

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 labor standards, safety and health, etc.

•

		 Contract employees are workers who made a labor contract with a fixed contract term with
their employers.

•

		 A labor 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 thecompany agree to renew the labor contract.

•		

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

21

Chapter 12(2) Contract employees (employees with fixed-term employment
contracts)

Chapter 11		Chapter 10•

Chapter 9iii.		 The worker works under the directions and orders of the company receiving the
dispatched worker.

Chapter 8i.		 A worker enters into a labor contract with a temporary staff company (dispatchingcompany). The dispatching company employs the worker and pays him/her.

Chapter 7(1) Dispatched workers (dispatched employees)

Chapter 6

1-3

Chapter 5

https://jinzai.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp/JinzaiWeb/GICB101010.do?action=

3

Employment/Working(3) Part-time workers
		 Part-time workers are workers whose prescribed weekly working hours are shorter thanthat of ordinary workers (so called “regular employees”) (*).

(*) 		“Weekly working hours” means the total working hours stipulated by the company's employment regulations,

•

i.		

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 labor contract.
To clearly indicate working conditions to the workerii.		

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

For details, please contact Prefectural Labor Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal*		 Please see the page by prefecture or the address list of Employment Environment andEqual Employment Departments (Offices).

••		 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 Labor Standards
Inspection Office.

22

Chapter 12

Exceptions

Chapter 11		 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
cannot generally receive protection as a “worker.”

Chapter 10

Principles

Chapter 9(4) A person who works upon entering into a subcontracting
agreement/ contract

Chapter 8

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000177581.pdf

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 6

In addition, in the case of part-time workers and contract employees (employees with afixed-term employment contracts), companies must basically provide documentation to
specify the availability of pay raises, bonuses, severance allowance and consultation counterswhich deal with the improvement of employment management.

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4•		 The various acts pertaining to labor conditions apply to part-time workers, too. Therefore,
if the part-time worker fulfills the required conditions, he/she;

Chapter 3

which start from the starting time to work to the time it ends, excluding break time.

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 1•

3

Employment/Working

1-4

Labor contract
Chapter 1(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 ofcertain labor laws including the Labor Standards Act.

Chapter 2•

		 "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 andpart-time workers.

Chapter 3

		 With regards to the following items that are particularly important, it is required as a rule
for a company to issue a written document to the worker clearly indicating such conditions(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).
i.		

When the contract starts and when it ends (pertaining to the term of contract)

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

		 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 Labor Standards Act (one of the laws concerning about working) in Japan
stipulates that the company must clearly indicate the working conditions to the worker when
they conclude a labor contract.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4(2) Specification of working conditions*		 A labor contract may be entered into either with or without a fixed term. The type of employmentetc., does not reflect whether it is a contract with a fixed term. Therefore, it is important for an
employee to confirm the term of contract itself, not the name of workstyle.

iii.		

Place of work, type of job (location of work, content of work)vi.		

		 In addition, the Labor Contracts Act stipulates that the employer and the worker need toconfirm details of the labor contracts as regards other matters besides those mentioned aboveon the documents as well as possible.

23

Chapter 12•

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

Chapter 11v.		 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)

Chapter 10

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
schedules, etc.)

Chapter 9ii.		 Provisions related to renewal of the contract, when concluding a fixed term contract(possibility of renewal, how decisions are made for renewal)

Chapter 8

itself, such as regular employees, contract employees, part-time workers, temporary staff (Arubaito),

3

Employment/Working

The Labor Standards Act also stipulates matters that an employer must not incorporate in a labor
contract.
Having a penalty charge paid if a worker violates a labor 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 or2)		

Loaning money as a condition for work, and unilaterally offsetting monthly wages against suchmonetary loans as repayment.
3)		

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

		

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

contract differ from the reality after starting working, he/she may immediately cancel his/her labor•		Working conditions are decided based on the labor contract concluded by the company and theworker, the employment regulations of the company, etc., and minimum standards of the conditions

Chapter 7

contract on those grounds.

Chapter 6

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

Chapter 5

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

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 3

negligent act of a worker as long as the amount of such damages is not predetermined.

Chapter 21)		

Chapter 1

Prohibitions with regard to labor contracts

are stipulated by the Labor Standards Act. (The conditions which don’t match with the minimum
conditions stipulated by the Labor Standards Act.)•		In principle, the company cannot unilaterally change the working conditions to those unfavorable

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1224

3

Employment/Working

Wages
Chapter 1

1-5(1) Minimum Wagei.		

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

Shortfall from [the hourly minimum wage] × [number of hours worked](3) Leave allowance

Chapter 7

In the event of an absence from work for reasons attributable to the company, the company
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 fromwork are attributable to the company, a certain level of salary is guaranteed to the worker.

Chapter 6

Absence from work for reasons attributable to the company

Chapter 5		Chapter 4ii.		
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 thefollowing from the company:

Chapter 3(2) About the Minimum Wage

Chapter 2

The minimum wage refers to the minimum amount of wages that a company must pay
stipulated by The Minimum Wage Act.

Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1225

3

Employment/Working

2-1

Rules for working
Chapter 1

2

Payment of wages

Wages must be paid directly to the worker.

iii. Principle ofpayment 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 thewages in case where a written agreement is concluded
with a labor union or a representative of a majority of theworkers

Principle

Wages must be paid at least once a month on a fixed
date.

Exception

Working hours, rest periods, rest days•		Maximum working hours are stipulated by law.

•		 The Labor 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.

26

Chapter 12(1) Working hours

Chapter 11

2-2

Extraordinary wages and bonuses

Chapter 10

 or example, it is not permitted to pay two-month’Fwage all at once. In addition, It is not permitted to
specify the date of payment, for example, such as"from the 20th to 25th every month,” or "the fourth
Friday every month” in which the payment daychanges within the range of a 7 days in a month.

Chapter 9

iv. Principleof regular
payment atleast once amonth

Chapter 8

ii. Principle ofdirect payment

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 6

Exception

Chapter 5

Wages must be paid in cash.

Chapter 4

Principle

Chapter 3

i. Principle ofpayment incurrency

Chapter 2

There are rules on how wages must be paid to ensure that wages are paid in full to the workers.
The following four principles are established.

3

Employment/Working(2) Rest periods
A company must provide its workers during working hours, with a rest period of at least 45
minutes if the working hours per day exceed 6 hours. Moreover, if they exceed 8 hours, it is at least
60 minutes.

Chapter 1(3) Rest days

Chapter 2

Annual paid leave is a holiday (vacation) that a worker may take during which wages are paid even

Chapter 6

Annual paid leave

Chapter 5

The worker dispatching agency shall assume responsibility for making decisions on theworking conditions of dispatched workers, and the company receiving the worker dispatch service
shall assume responsibility for the observation of the rules including working hours, rest periods,
rest days, etc.

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 a
period of 4 weeks (legal holidays).

though he/she is absent from work on the prescribed working days. In principle, workers can takecontinuously for 6months and has reported for work on at least 80% of the total working days can takeannual 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.

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

Chapter 7

annual paid leave whenever they want and for whatever the reason is. A worker who has been working

In addition, workers such as dispatched workers and part-time workers, even though they haveannual 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
Even in cases where they work only four days or less a week or 216 days or less a year, they shall be

at 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 forwork prior to renewal of the contract will be included in the calculation if the renewal of contract makes thesituation virtually the same as continuous employment.

27

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 11

granted annual paid leave of the same amount as regular employees, if their prescribed working hours are

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

different types of employment from that of regular employees, shall be granted the same number of

3

Employment/Working

2-3Overtime work and work on holidays

i. Overtime work beyond legal working hours
ii. Work on statutory holidays
The maximum time of overtime work is stipulated by law.

•		 The maximum hours are stipulated in the Labor Standards Act. In principle, these maximums
are up to 45 hours a month, 360 hours a year. (In the case of any temporary and 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). Up to six months ayear, working overtime for more than 45 hours is permitted.

Chapter 6(2) Premium

25% or more for overtime work beyond legal working hoursii.		

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)

Premium pay shall be applied to all workers, regardless of types of employment. Therefore, theworkers as well.

Chapter 11

premium pay shall be paid to dispatched workers, contract employees, part-time workers and temporary

Chapter 10*		 For example, in the case of overtime work beyond legal working hours, and when it is also midnight workat the same time (items i & iii), the premium pay shall be increased by 50% or more.

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 thecase the company has its workers work overtime, or on statutory holidays.

i.		

Chapter 5		Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

		 A company must conclude a written agreement (hereinafter referred to as the “36agreement”) with a labor 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 thecompany wants to have workers work in the following situations.

Chapter 2•

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

Chapter 1228

3

Employment/Working•

i.		 Transfer to other, light activities (only during the pregnancy
period)i.		 Guarantee the time for health guidance and medical examinations to expectant
or and postpartum mothers		

Employers are prohibited from doing the following acts:ii.		

Dismissal of female workers due to her marriage*		Dismissal of expectant or and postpartum mothers is invalid. However, this shall not apply in the event that the(2) Maternity leave		

A company shall not have a female worker work on the following period:i.		 six weeks before the expected date of confinement on the woman’s request on
request of a female worker herself, (or 14 weeks in the case of multiple fetuses)ii.		 Eight weeks after childbirth (this does not prevent an employer from having a woman
who is at least 6 weeks postpartum work, if she requests to, in operations that a doctor
has approved as having no adverse effect on her.)

29

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

company prove that the dismissal is not caused by reasons such as pregnancy or childbirth.

Chapter 10iii.		 Dismissal or disadvantageous treatment to female workers by reason of her
pregnancy, childbirth or applying for maternity leave before and after childbirth, etc.

Chapter 9i.		 Using marriage, pregnancy or childbirth as grounds for terminating the employmentof female worker

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7ii.		 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 canfollow the instructions

Chapter 6*Employers have to take the following measures:

Chapter 5iii.		 Exemption from overtime work, holiday work or midnight work (for expectant or andpostpartum mothers)

Chapter 4ii.		 Keeping her working hours on legal working hours per weekor per day basis (including when an irregular working hoursystem is adapted) (for expectant or and postpartum mothers)

Chapter 3

		 Pregnant women (partially including female workers who are within one year after childbirth,and in such case, hereinafter referred to as “expectant or and postpartum mothers”) can apply
for the following:

Chapter 2(1) In case of pregnancy

Chapter 1

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

2-4

3

Employment/Working(3) Childcare leave

		 Childcare leave taken by a father after childbirth refers to male and female workers taking
four-week childcare leave within eight weeks after birth of a child. Other than childcare leave,
childcare leave at birth can be taken by dividing into twice.

•		 Employers are prohibited to do the following (this applies to companies receiving dispatchedworkers)i.		

Refusing an application for childcare leave/paternity leave.

•		

A worker can take family care leave (Childcare and Family Care Leave Act)ii.		 Family care leave can be divided up to three times within a period not exceeding 93
days in total per each family member		

Employers are prohibited to do the following (this applies to companies receiving dispatchedworkers)
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).

		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. (*) Additionally, from October of 2022, persons who meet certain conditions are granted
childcare leave at birth allowance.
See Chapter 4 3-3 (1) and (2)•		 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.

30

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Allowances

Chapter 10

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000177581.pdf

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6i.		 This is a leave in order to provide nursing care to a family member in a condition that
requires caregiving.

Chapter 5(4) Family care leave

Chapter 4ii.		 Treating workers in a disadvantageous manner such as dismissal due to theirapplication for childcare leave/paternity leave.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

		 Until the child becomes one year old (up to two years in certain cases), male and female
workers can take childcare leave. Childcare leave can be taken by dividing into twice.

Chapter 1•

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.

ii.		

Notify the company of your resignation in written form

iii.		

Handing over your jobs to your successor•

		 If your company stipulates resignation procedures in its employment regulations, you
should follow the company’s rules.

•

		 When a worker notifies his/her intention to resign, the applicable laws and rules differ
depending on whether his/her labor contract has a fixed-term or not.

•Labor contract with a fixed term

Chapter 7

		 If a worker has entered into a labor contract without a fixed term, the labor contract will beterminated within two weeks after the worker notified his/her resignation.

Chapter 6

Labor contract without a fixed term

Chapter 5

		 If you decide to resign, it is necessary for you to look up the resignation procedures in yourcompany.

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3i.		 Notify your supervisor know your intention to resign
before you resign

Chapter 2••

		 If a worker has entered into a labor 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
resignation.

Chapter 8•		 In order to continue working after the expiration of the term of contract, it is necessary toenter into a new labor contract (to renew the labor contract) (See: 1-2 (2)). The renewal of alabor contract requires the consent of both the company and the worker.

Chapter 9
Chapter 10(2) Dismissal•

This is a unilateral termination of a labor 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.

•

When a company wishes to dismiss a worker, the company is required to provide at least 30
days advance notice or must pay the worker the average wages for 30 days or more (dismissal
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
dismissalwere caused by the worker himself/herself.

31

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Dismissal

3

Employment/Working

Termination of fixed-term employment•

		 The termination of a fixed-term employment is different from dismissal, in which a company
terminates the labor contract unilaterally.

•

		

i.		

Workers whose contract were renewed three or more times.

ii.		

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

i.		 When a termination is recognized as dismissal because the contract has beenrenewed 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 labor contract
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 restructuringiv.		

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

32

Chapter 12

or workers to gain their understanding.

Chapter 11

The criteria for choosing persons subject to dismissal for the purpose of restructuring must be
objective and rational, and their implementation must be fair.

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

Dismissal for the purpose of restructuring

Chapter 5ii.		

Chapter 4

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

Chapter 3•

A company must provide 30 days advance notice for the workers below:

Chapter 2

		 If a new contract is not concluded or a current labor contract is not renewed when a fixedterm employment expires, the fixed-term employment will be terminated. (See: 1-2 (2))

Chapter 1•

3

Employment/Working(3) Bankruptcy of the company

In case of unemployment•

		Terms 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

This depends on the reason of your becoming unemployed.

ii.		

Voluntary resignation

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.

33

Chapter 12*1		

Chapter 11

		 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 ofunemployment was accepted at Hello Work.

Chapter 10

		 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)

Chapter 9i.		 Dismissal due to circumstances of the company, resignation due to recommendationby the company, etc.

Chapter 8Starting time of payment

Chapter 7		 (However, if the reason for being unemployed is the bankruptcy or other circumstancesof the company, or non-renewal of a fixed-term labor contract, etc., a worker can receive
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 of
one year period before he/she left the company.)

Chapter 6iii.		 A person who had worked at least 11 days per month or at least 80 working hours permonth as the bases of wage payment for 12 months during the span of two years before he/she left the company.

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

If you were covered by employment insurance and meet the conditions below, you can receivea basic allowance from employment insurance.

Chapter 3(4) Employment Insurance (Basic allowance)

Chapter 2

Please consult with the Labor Standards Inspection Office in such case, as part of your unpaid
wages might be paid.

Chapter 1

A system has been established which the government pays unpaid wages on behalf of acompany under the Act on Ensuring Wage Payment, in the event the company goes bankrupt andcannot pay wages to its workers.

3

Employment/Working(5) Job Hunting Activities
job.

i.		

Job consultationii.		

Looking for a company for which you want to work

Introduction to a company for which you want to workiv.		

Support for job searchinghttps://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000637894.pdf

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000592865.pdf
If you cannot visit Hello Work, you can make a phone call to Hello Work in foreign
languages.

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

34

Chapter 12Interpreters are available at certain branches.

Chapter 11

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

Chapter 10

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

Chapter 9

		 If you find a company for which you want to work, you should visit the counter at HelloWork. A staff will give you advice on important points of the company or job hunting. He/shewill also hand you an “Introduction Letter” so that you can have an employment screening
interview.

Chapter 8iii.		

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 6

		 They provide various types of consultation for job hunting
and employment. You should consult with them first about any
matter.

Chapter 5

You can receive the following services from the job consulting counter at Hello Work, all of
those are free of charge.

Chapter 4

You will perform job hunting activities at Hello Work or other places in order to find your next

Chapter 3This depends on the reason for your unemployment and your age. It will be from 90 days to
330 days in principle.

Chapter 2

Period of payment

Chapter 1

When you receive a certificate of unemployment, make sure to check and read the reasonsfor your resignation of the company. This is because, if it states that you resigned the company
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
to receiving the basic allowance.

3

Employment/Working“Checklist for Using Hello Work for Foreign Nationals” explains matters describedhttps://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000678121.pdf

following website:

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

understand, you can check it with the “Multilanguage Useful Glossary for
Employment Management.”

Healthy and safety working environment

		 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.

35

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

		 Take necessary measures to prevent dangers due to machines, instruments and otherequipment.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9Companies have the following obligations:

Chapter 8(1) Contents of the Industrial Safety and Health Act

Chapter 7

The Industrial Safety and Health Act is a law to ensure health and safety for workers. Companies
are obliged to take necessary measures to protect workers from work-related accidents andillnesses.

Chapter 6

3-1

Health and security

Chapter 5

3Chapter 4

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

Chapter 3

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

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 1

in 2-5 in detail:3

Employment/Working(2) Health checkups, etc.

•

		 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.

•		Having performed overtime work or holiday work for over 80 hours a month, and beingi.		

R&D workers who worked overtime or on holidays for 100 hours or more per monthTeam

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

Compensation for injuries or illnesses due to work
(Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance)

Chapter 10

3-2

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 8

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

Chapter 7ii.		
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)
per week exceed 40 hours, where the excess hours per week have accumulated to morethan 100 hours per month

Chapter 6

recognized to be suffering from fatigue (if they submit a request). However, those who meetthe following conditions are eligible for face-to-face guidance by physicians without submittinga request:

Chapter 5

Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, not only regular employees but also dispatchedworkers, contract employees, and part-time employees are eligible for face-to-face guidance byphysicians, if they meet the following condition:

Chapter 4(3) Face-to-face guidance by physicians

Chapter 3

		 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)

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

Under the Industrial Safety and Health Act, not only regular employees but also dispatchedworkers, contract employees, and part-time employees are eligible for health checkups and stresschecks, if they meet the following two conditions:

Workers are compensated by Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance if they incur an
injury or illness due to their work.

Chapter 11(1) Procedure for applying for the Industrial Accident Compensation
Insurance

Chapter 12•

		 If you receive treatment at a hospital designated by the Industrial Accident Compensation
Insurance, the treatment cost will usually be free (if you go to a hospital that is not designated,
you must pay the cost initially, but you can be reimbursed by submitting a request to the Labor
Standards Inspection Office).

36

3

Employment/Working•

		 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, and30 days thereafter, for treatment of an injury or illness due to an employment accident.

Chapter 3(2) Other reminders•

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

•

		

•

		 If any issues arise concerning injuries, etc., incurred during work or commuting, please
consult the Labor 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
Compensation Insurance and pay the entire insurance premium.

You cannot use health insurance if the injury or illness was caused by work

the following website.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/new-info/kobetu/roudou/gyousei/rousai/gaikoku-pamphlet.html•(2) After employment
		 Employers are prohibited from discriminating against workers on the basis of sex, withregard to the following matters:

37

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

		 With regard to the recruitment and employment of workers, employers are prohibited fromdiscriminating against workers on the basis of sex.

Chapter 10(1) While seeking employment

Chapter 9

Prohibition of discrimination on the basis of sex

Chapter 8

Details of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance benefits are posted on

Chapter 7

		 Mental disorders such as depression due to causes such as long working hours are also
covered by Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5		 Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance covers not only injuries and illnesses at work,
but also injuries, etc., incurred while commuting.

Chapter 4•3-3

Chapter 2

		 If you have to take a day off from work, you can receive compensation for absence fromwork (the business owner will pay 60% of the average wage until the third day of leave, and
80% of the amount equivalent to the average wage will be covered by the Industrial Accident
Compensation Insurance from the fourth day).

Chapter 1•

3

Employment/Workingi.		

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

Changes in type of job or employment status

		 Employers are prohibited from using the fact that a worker is a woman as a basis forengaging in differential treatment in comparison to men with respect to wages.

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

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000177581.pdf

Harassment prevention measures

Chapter 6

Employers are required to take necessary measures, including developing necessary systems,
to give advice to workers and cope with the problems of workers, so that the working conditions ofworkers will not be harmed by reason of the following types of harassment; (iv. Power harassment
is an obligation to make efforts for small and medium-sized enterprises until March 31, 2022.)

Chapter 5

3-4

Chapter 4

Employment Department (Office) or Labor Consultation Service for Foreign Workers.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2iv.		
Encouragement of retirement, mandatory retirement age, dismissal, and renewalof the labor contract

Chapter 1ii.		
Welfare (fringe benefits as provided by ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Laborand Welfare)

Chapter 7

Sexual harassment;ii.		

Maternity harassment;

iii.		

Harassment regarding childcare leave, etc.; andiv.		

Power harassment (*)

Chapter 8i.		

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

Prefectural Labor Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal Employment Department (Office) or(Prefectural Labor Bureau's Employment Environment and Equal Employment
Department (Office))(Consultation Counter on General Labor Matters)

38

Chapter 12https://www.mhlw.go.jp/general/seido/chihou/kaiketu/soudan.html

Chapter 11

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000177581.pdf

Chapter 10

Labor Consultation Service for Foreign Workers have been accepting consultations.

Chapter 9of superior positions in a relationship as background.

3

Employment/Working

Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign
Workers

		 The “Guidelines for Employers to Improve the Management of Employment of Foreign
Workers” (the “Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign Workers”) sets out therules for employers to take appropriate measures to improve employment management andre-employment support for foreign workers.

•		

Hello Work provides advice and guidance based on the Guidelines for Employment
Management of Foreign Workerswhen it visits business establishments employing foreign
workers.

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

Chapter 5

Pamphlet concerning the rules for employing foreign workers

Chapter 6

Guidelines for Employment Management of Foreign Workers

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

		 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
where they can be ensured fair treatment and safely exercise their abilities effectively.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

3-5

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

Counter on General Labor Matters. You can also inquire about the contents
Our consultation services are available in 13 languages.

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/general/seido/chihou/kaiketu/soudan.html

Chapter 8

described in i to iii when you cannot find the inquiry destination for such contents.

Chapter 7

Consultations regarding labor matters are accepted at Consultation

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

39

3

Employment/Working

Social Insurance and Labor Insurance

Health insurance / National health insurance

When they have an injury or illness,ii.		

When they have given birth, oriii.		

When they died.

National pension / employees’ pension insuranceLong-term care insurance

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

Chapter 9Long-term care insurance is a system to support elderly and other people who need longterm care by society as a whole.

Chapter 8

4-3

Chapter 7

National pension and employees’ pension insurance (refer to Subsections 1-1 and 1-2 in
Section 1 of Chapter 7) provide insurance benefits to workers for a lifetime in case they reach oldage, suffer from physical disability, or die.

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 6) provide necessary medical benefits or allowances to workers in cases where workers
or their family have matters of such as the following:

Chapter 3

4-1

Chapter 2

Social insurance and labor insurance are systems in which money (insurance premiums) are
publicly collect from workers and/or companies and provide to workers when they encounter
events such as loss of employment, injury, and death, so that workers can prepare for various life
risks.

Chapter 1

4

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1240

3Employment/Working

4-4

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.

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

Employment insurance

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurancei.		 Where workers incurred injury, illness or death due to their job (employment
accidents); andiii.		 Where workers incurred accidents on their way to work (commuting accidents).

Chapter 11ii.		 Injury, illness, or death of workers who are employed by multiple companies, etc.
(accidents due to multiple job causes)

Chapter 10

Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance (refer to 3-2) is a public system in which thegovernment provides necessary insurance benefits in the following cases;

Chapter 94-5Chapter 8

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

Chapter 7ii.		

Chapter 6(2) Payment of premiums

Chapter 5iii.		 Persons who are considered eligible based on i) are eligible for employment insurance
whether they are dispatched workers, contract employees, or part-time workers.

Chapter 4ii.		 Persons who are considered eligible based on i) are eligible for employment insurance
regardless of the size of the business establishment.

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

Chapter 2(1) Persons eligible for employment insurance

Chapter 1

The employment insurance system (refer to Subsection 2-5, (4)) provides unemployment
benefits, etc., to unemployed workers to ensure theirliving and promote their employment.

Chapter 12

41

Chapter 4

Chapter 1

Childbirth andParenting

Chapter 2

1-1

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.		

Introduction of parents’ classes (mothers’ /fathers’ classes)

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 on

Chapter 7*		Chapter 6i.		

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

Procedures Related to Pregnancy

Chapter 3

1childrearing. It is designed to allow parents or guardians to make notes of and manage information, and to enable•		Prenatal health checkups
During pregnancy, you must take even greater care of your health than usual.

•		

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;

andOnce a week from week 36 until childbirth.

42

Chapter 12iii.		

Chapter 11i.		

Chapter 10

Please receive regular prenatal checkups and manage your health according to the adviceof doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals.

Chapter 9

1-2

Chapter 8

healthcare professionals to make notes of and view information.

4Childbirth and Parentingi.		

Guidance on home life or meals;iii.		

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 andchildbirth; andChapter 2

A public health nurse, midwife, or other healthcare professional will visit you at your home toprovide 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 8

The municipality holds parental classes on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, nutrition, andother relevant topics. These classes are also an opportunity to meet and talk with other expecting
parents.

Chapter 7

Parents’ classes (mothers’/fathers’ classes)

Chapter 6

1-4

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1243

4Childbirth and Parenting

Notification of birth

Chapter 2

2-1

Procedures after Birth

Chapter 1

2

If you gave birth to a child in JapanA 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 childwas born or the municipality of the person submitting the notification.

(1) Documents required for notification of birth		Birth certificate•

		 For other necessary documents, contact the municipality to which you are submitting thenotification.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4		Chapter 3•

Chapter 6(2) Other procedures

Chapter 7

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

Chapter 8

Notification of the childbirth to home countries

Chapter 11

In addition, acquire a passport for your child.

Chapter 10

If neither of the parents have Japanese nationality, your child cannot
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
consulate (general) of the father’s or mother’s country in Japan.

Chapter 92-2Chapter 1244

4Childbirth and ParentingChildbirth Expenses and Allowances

As pregnancy and childbirth are not illnesses, they are not generally covered by healthinsurance.

Lump-sum allowance for childbirthi

Direct payment

Childbirth allowance

Chapter 1245

Chapter 11

If the actual date of birth is later than the due date, you will be also eligible to receive achildbirth allowance for the delayed period.

Chapter 10

If you are enrolled in health insurance yourself and must take a leave of absence from workwithout pay, you will be eligible to receive a childbirth allowance for the duration you were absent
within 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 twothirds of your wages per day as childbirth allowance during your maternity leave from your healthinsurance. However, if you receive wages from the company for which you work during your leave,
and the amount you receive from the company is greater than the childbirth allowance amount,
you are not eligible to receive the childbirth allowance.

Chapter 93-2

Chapter 8

		 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
medical institution where your child will be born to receive the allowance so that the
lump-sum allowance is paid directly to the medical institution.

Chapter 7

ii Proxy recipient

Chapter 6

		 With this method, the medical institution requests and receives the lump-sum
allowance for childbirth on the mother’s behalf. As the lump-sum allowance is paid
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.

Chapter 5

There are two types of payment in this system.

Chapter 4This is a system for paying out 420,000 yen (500,000 yen after April of 2023) to cover the
expenses for delivery when the mother is enrolled in health insurance or the national healthinsurance. However, if the delivery is 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 408,000 yen (488,000yen after April of 2023).

Chapter 3

3-1

Chapter 2

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

Chapter 13

4Childbirth and Parenting

3-3Childcare leave benefits (provision during childcare leave)
Chapter 1(1) Benefits during childcare leave

Chapter 2•

Chapter 4		Requirements for receiving the benefits

ii.		 That you meet certain conditions such as your wages during childcare leave drop toless than 80% of the wages you made when starting your leave.

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

Chapter 8

In addition to the conditions mentioned above, a temporary worker (an employee witha fixed-term contract) needs to satisfy the condition that it is unclear that the employment
contract will end before his/her child turns one year and six months old (two years old if thechildcare leave starts after the child is one year and six months old due to reasons such as thechild being unable to enter daycare) at the start of the childcare leave.

Chapter 7*

Chapter 6

Additionally, from October of 2022, even in the case where childcare leave is taken by dividing,you are eligible to receive childcare leave benefits up to twice.

Chapter 5i.		 That you have worked more than 11 days per month or more than 80 working hours
per months as the bases of wage payment for 12 months or more during the two years
prior to the start date of your childcare leave.

Chapter 3

If you are enrolled in employment insurance and take childcare leave to care for a child who isless 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 requirements,
you will be eligible to receive childcare leave benefits by applying for the benefit at Hello Work,in principle. (For the first 180 days, 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 ofthe leave.)

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1246

4Childbirth and Parenting

Requirements for receiving the benefitsi.		

The third time or later of childcare leave taken for the same child.

*In the case of a temporary worker (employee with a fixed-term contract)

Chapter 10

A temporary worker (an employee with a fixed-term contract) needs to satisfy therequirement that it is unclear that the employment contract will end during the period fromthe day following the day on which eight weeks has elapsed to six months .

Chapter 9ii.		 The days exceeding the total number of 28 days of childcare leave at birth for thesame child.

Chapter 8

Other than the above-mentioned, in the case of the leave that falls under any of the following
i and ii, you shall not be eligible to receive the benefits;

Chapter 7

Additionally, even in the case where childcare leave at birth is taken by dividing, you are
eligible to receive childcare leave benefits up to twice.

Chapter 6iii.		 That the maximum number of working days is 10 days or less (in the case wheresuch number exceeds 10, the working hour is 80 hours) (however, in the case where
the leave period is less than 28 days, the number of days/hours for which you can work
shall become less in proportion to such days of the leave period.)

Chapter 5ii.		 That you meet certain conditions such as your wages during childcare leave drop toless than 80% of the wages you made when starting your leave.

Chapter 4i.		 That you have worked more than 11 days per month or more than 80 working hours
per months as the bases of wage payment for 12 months or more during the two years
prior to the start date of your childcare leave.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

If you are enrolled in employment insurance and take childcare leave (childcare leave at birth)to care for a child by the time eight weeks passes since a child is born by specifying the period
up to 4 weeks and meet the following requirements, you will be eligible to receive childcare leave
benefits by applying for the benefit at Hello Work. (You will receive the amount equivalent to 67%
of your wages prior to the start of the leave. The number of days for which childcare benefits atbirth shall be included in 180 days when benefit rate of 3-3 (1) Benefits during childcare leave is
67%).

Chapter 1(2) Childcare leave at birth benefits (system starting from October
2022)

Chapter 11
Chapter 1247

4Childbirth and ParentingChild allowance

The child allowance is paid to ensure a stable home environment and the healthy developmentof 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 theapplication is submitted.

•

		 You need to submit the new application when a new child is born or when you move toanother municipality

Chapter 6(3) Amount

Chapter 5•

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

3-4

Amount of child allowance (monthly amount per child)

10,000 yen(15,000 yen for the third and subsequent children)

From the first March 31st
after their 12th birthday until
the first March 31st after
their 15th birthday

10,000 yen flat

*		 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 amonth 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).

48

Chapter 12(4) Payment timing

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

Chapter 10

From 3 years until the first
March 31st after their 12thbirthday

Chapter 915,000 yen flat

Chapter 8Under 3

Chapter 7

Age of child4Childbirth and Parenting

4

Checkup of infantsYour municipality provides the following health checkups for free:•		Chapter 2

4-1

Chapter 1

Parenting

18-month-old checkup		

3-year-old checkup•		

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

*		 Checkups include tests of development, height and weight measurement, and parenting consultations. For details,

Vaccinations

There are some illnesses that can be immunized against with vaccinations. There are two
types of vaccinations.
Vaccinations recommended by the municipality

		 These vaccinations may be provided for free. For details, contact your local
municipality.
Voluntary vaccinations available by request		For these vaccinations, you will pay out-of-pocket.
Consult your doctor before giving your child vaccinations.

Chapter 7ii.		

Chapter 6i.		

Chapter 5

4-2

Chapter 4

contact your local municipality.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 8

Medical expenses for children

Depending on your local municipality, medical expenses may be free until the end ofelementary school or additional aid may be provided.

•

		 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.

49

Chapter 12

Facilities for preschool-aged children

Chapter 11

4-4

Chapter 10

If you are enrolled in a health insurance, you pay 20% of the medical expenses for children up
to age six prior to the start of elementary school.

Chapter 94-3

4Childbirth and Parenting(1) Day care center (Hoikujo)•

		 Regular daycare services are eight hours a day, and some daycares also offer after-hours
services such as evening and holiday daycare services.

•		 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

		 These facilities care for children in lieu of parents and guardians who are unable to provide
care at home for work or other reasons.

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•

		Babysitters etc.

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4This is the general term for facilities that care for children and that have not been approved according

Chapter 6

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 ofparents 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 andguardians in the local community or open their schoolyard to the public.

•

		 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.

50

Chapter 12

		 Centers for early childhood education and care combine the functions of both kindergartensand daycares.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10(3) Center for Early Childhood Education and Care (Nintei
Kodomoen)

Chapter 9		Chapter 8•

Chapter 7(2) Kindergarten (Yochien)4Childbirth and Parenting

4-5

After-school Children’s club (Hokagojido-club)		 In these clubs, after-school child care workers etc. 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
children’s classes that include different types of learning and interactive activities for all
elementary school children.

•		 The Family Support Center is an organization that consists of the members described below.
The Center acts as a go-between to help members support each other.
Parents who need assistance in watching infants or elementary school children

ii.		

People who want to provide assistance

Examples of support are as follows.
Taking children to and from daycare facilities etc.

ii.		

Watching children after daycare facility hours or after schooliii.		 Watching children while parents or guardians go grocery shopping or run othererrands		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 youwith assistance and acts as a go-between for you and that person.
Pay a fee to the person who provided assistance after the assistance.

Chapter 10

iv.		

Chapter 9i.		

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6

		

i.		

Chapter 5•

Family Support Center

Chapter 44-6

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

		 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.

Chapter 1•

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

51

Education

Chapter 5

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

Education system in Japan

Diagram of the school system in Japan

14

12
11

9

7
6

4
3

1

19

Correspondence
CoursesSpecial Needs
Education
Schools＊

JuniorCollege＊18(Upper Div.)
17

Parttime
Courses16
15

Upper Secondary Schools

Upper
Sec. Dept.

Part-timeCoursesSecondary
Education
School14(Lower Div.)(Upper Div.)

Lower Secondary Schools

Lower
Sec. Dept.

13
Compulsory
Education
School1211109Element.
Dept.

Elementary School(Lower Div.)

8

Chapter 112

Universities(undergraduate)

20

College ofTechnology (KOSEN)＊
Correspondence
Courses＊＊

7

Kindergartens
Kinder.
Dept.

3Notes:(note)(1) The gray sections
are Compulsory
education.
(1) The gray sections
are Compulsory
education.
(2) *indicates advanced courses(2) *indicates advanced(3) Upper courses
secondary schools, upper division of Secondary Education Schools, universities, junior colleges, and upper secondary department of schools for Special Needs
can haveseparatecourses withterms of yearEducation
or more.
(3) Upper secondaryEducation
schools,
upper
division
ofcourse
Secondary
Schools, universities, junior colleges, and upper secondary department of(4) A childaged from0 to 2 years oldcanhave
attend Centers
for Earlycourses
Childhood Education
and Care terms
because itof
functionsas orschool
as well as child welfare institution.
schools for Special
Needs
Education
canseparatewith course
year
more.
(5) Age and admission requirments for Specialized Training College General Courses and Misecellaneous Schools are not defined uniformly.
(4) A child aged from 0 to 2 years old can attend Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care because it functions as school as well as childwelfare institution.
(5) Age and admission requirments for Specialized Training College General Courses and Misecellaneous Schools are not defined uniformly.

52

Chapter 124Integrated centers for
Early Childhood
Education and Care

Preschool Education

6
5

Chapter 10

521

Miscellaneous
SchoolChapter 98Correspondence
Courses＊Specialized Training Collage
Upper Secondary Courses

Chapter 8

10

＊

22

Specialized Training College
General Course

Chapter 7

13

Correspondence
Courses

Professional and Vocational
Junior College

Higher Education

15＊

Specialized Training Collage
Post-Secondary Courses

Chapter 6

16

23

Professional andVocational Universities

Secondary Education

17

Professional Graduate School

Graduate
SchoolPrimary Education

18

Standard
Age
24

Chapter 5

Schoolyear

Chapter 4

The 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
education and four years of college education. Education is compulsory in elementary schools andjunior high schools. Preprimary education is given at kindergartens etc.

Chapter 3

1

5

Education

Elementary and junior high school

Enrollment in a public elementary and/or junior high school

		 In the case of foreign children, the children can be accepted by Japanese public elementaryand junior high school etc. Tuition and textbooks are free of charge.

•

		

•

		 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 which provide compulsory education comprising grade one through nine, and special
schools for physically and/or mentally challenged children.

Tell your local municipal office that you wish to send your children to Japanese public school.

High school•

		 High schools are categorized into schools offering full-time courses, part-time courses andcorrespondence courses.

•

		

Schools for foreign students•

		 Each school has different background of cultures, ethnicities, languages, curriculums
and post-graduate paths, so you should choose one suitable for your children. (Enrollment
qualifications for those who have graduated from schools for foreign students can be found in
1-7 Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).)

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kokusai/gaikoku/index.htm

53

Chapter 12

The below is a website for persons related to schools for foreign students:

Chapter 11

		 Besides elementary, junior high and high schools, there are various types of educational
institutes for foreign students, and the facilities aimed exclusively at educating foreign children
are called “schools for foreign students.”

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

1-3High school graduates are entitled to apply to university.

Chapter 8

		 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 examination and passit, as a general rule.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

1-2

Chapter 5(See 1-4 for Night Junior High School.)

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

		 Custodian have the obligation to enroll their Japanese child aged from six to 15 in elementary
school, and junior high school or compulsory education school.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-1

5

Education

Evening Classes at Junior High Schools•

		 15 prefectures across Japan have 40 Evening Classes at Junior High Schools (as of April
2022) 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 Junior High Schools near you, first of all,contact your municipal Board of Education.

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology:“For those who wish to learn at Evening Class at Junior High Schools”.

Examination for Granting an Equivalency Certificate
of Lower Secondary School Graduation
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 examination for Japanese highschools.

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:ii.		 To take tests for employment or qualifications which entitles people who have
graduated from high school.

54

Chapter 12https://www.mext.go.jp/component/a_menu/education/detail/__icsFiles/
afieldfile/2019/05/13/1291562_02.pdf

Chapter 11

Outline (in English):

Chapter 10i.		 To take entrance examinations for colleges/universities, junior colleges or professional
training colleges in Japan.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

1-6

Chapter 7		Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

1-5

Chapter 4

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/yakan/index_00005.html

Chapter 3

		 In Japan, there are Evening Classes at Junior High Schools for those have not completed
their compulsory education either in Japan or in their home country.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-4

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 entitled to apply for the following schools:
Colleges and universities

ii.		

Professional and vocational universitiesiii.		

Junior colleges

iv.		

Professional and vocational Junior colleges

•

i.		

International Baccalaureate

Chapter 6

		 Those who have obtained one of the following certificates will also be qualified to apply forthe above-mentioned educational institutes:

Chapter 5v.		 Professional training colleges(post-secondarycourse of specialized training
colleges), etc.

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•ii.		 Abitur
Baccalaureateiv.		

General Certificate of Education, Advanced-Level(See a list of accredited international Baccalaureate schools in Japan:•

WASC (The Western Association of Schools and Colleges)ii.		

CIS (Council of International Schools)iii.		ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)iv.		

NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges)

		 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

55

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Other institutes for higher education

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9		 Those who have completed their 12-year education and graduated from an educational
institute that is certified by any of the following groups are also entitled to apply for the abovementioned educational institutes:

Chapter 8

https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/ib-japan/authorization/)

Chapter 7iii.		

5

Education

Entrance examination to higher educational institutes

•

		

•

		 The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU),
operated by the Japan Student Services Organization, is employed by many colleges anduniversities as a special evaluation reference for international students.

Some institutes offer special assessments for foreign applicants.

The below is a website for foreign nationals:

https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/index.html

Chapter 3

		 To get enrolled in a higher education institute, you have to pass an entrance examination or
document screening.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

1-8

Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1256

5Education

Financial support for elementary and junior high students•

		 Low-income parents whose children go to elementary or junior high school are eligible forthis assistance.

•

		 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 Tuition Support Fund		 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 dependingon their household income.

•		In order to receive the aid, an application form must be submitted.

•

		

Details will be announced by the school you attend.

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1342674.htm

https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/20220329-mxt_kouhou02-2.pdf

Chapter 11

If you want to read it in English:

Chapter 10

For further information on this system, please visit:

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

		 High-school students whose annual household income is less than
9,100,000 yen, can receive financial aid to cover the expense of highschool tuition.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 62-2

Chapter 5

For further information on this system, please visit:

Chapter 4		 There is a system that offers assistance for the expense of school supplies such as uniforms,
school bags, stationery and school lunches.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

2-1

Financial support for the education
costs

Chapter 1

2

Chapter 1257

5

Education

2-3

High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund•		

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/
20220328-mxt_kouhou02-2.pdf

Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students•		

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
are eligible for the scholarships offered by the Japanese government:

Chapter 9

Special Permanent Resident

ii.		

Permanent Resident

iii.		

Spouse or child of Japanese national

iv.		

Spouse or child of Permanent Resident

https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/scholarship_j/shoreihi/index.html

58

Chapter 12

The below is a website for foreign nationals:

Chapter 11		 There are also grant-type scholarships for those whose status of residence is “Student” andhave satisfied the academic requirements.

Chapter 10i.		

v.		 Long-Term Resident (who intend to live in Japan
permanently)•

Chapter 8*		Chapter 7

		 Scholarships are provided by the Japanese government,
local governments and private foundations.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

2-4Chapter 4

If you want to read in English:

Chapter 3

For further information on this system, please visit:

Chapter 2

		 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.

Chapter 1•

5

Education

Learning Japanese

About the Japanese language•

		Kanji will be helpful once you memorize them. Some may look complicated. Start by learning

the simple ones.

		 If you live in Japan, it is very important to know the names of local places and streets byreading and writing characters such as Kanji. Japanese also has many dialects and they have an
important role in your community life. You can learn these dialects at Japanese classes in yourarea and through communication with local residents.

•

		 Other than the above-mentioned, there are forms of polite speech in Japanese. It would bebetter if you become able to use polite Japanese depending on who you are speaking to.

Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education•

		 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 the next goal.

Chapter 11

		 “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education” was newly established in 2021 tomake learning Japanese easier for you, with reference to CEFR (Common European Frameworkof Reference for Languages; Learning, teaching, assessment).

Chapter 10•

Chapter 93-2

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

		 Learn about romaji as well, which is often used when you type or text for mails and social
media

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

		 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 thosewritten in smaller versions (four characters for Hiragana and nine characters for Katakana). The
special symbols
are also used.

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

3-1

Chapter 2

Knowing Japanese will make your life easier in Japan. You
can get to know others and make friends with them. They may
help you when you need any help. You may be able to fulfill
your dreams. In order to live your own life in Japan, it is strongly
recommended that you keep studying Japanese.

Chapter 1

3

Chapter 1259

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
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

Where to learn(1) Japanese language school•		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.

60

Chapter 12		 There are courses with different purposes: to prepare for school study, for work, or to
prepare for examinations

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

Nowadays an increasing number of learners choose distance learning through social media
such as Skype or E-learning. Find the method that is suitable for you.

Chapter 9

By attending Japanese classes, you can not only study the language, but also exchange
information and make friends at the same time. Find a language school or lesson near you.

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.

•		

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:

This website is for foreign nationals who live in Japan to learn Japanese, aiming to communicate
in Japanese or use Japanese in daily life.

Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pilipino, Nepali, and Khmer (Cambodian),
Korean, Thai, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian and Russian (16Situations 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/

61

Chapter 12

languages)

Chapter 11

Available languages:	Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified), Portuguese, Spanish,

Chapter 10

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 andbroaden life’s possibilities.

Chapter 9

Website for Japanese learners: “Connect andEnhance Your Life in Japanese” (known as Tsunahiro)

Chapter 8

3-4Chapter 7

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 findthe one that is most suitable for you.

Chapter 6(3) Online classes, distance learning

Chapter 5①Name of the class ②organizer ③venue ④contact number ⑤how to contact ⑥supported
languages ⑦course period ⑧number of sessions ⑨timetable (day and time) ⑩qualification
for application ⑪cost ⑫ class type (group or private) ⑬number of students ⑭level ⑮who
teaches ⑯what to learn ⑰availability of parking, baby-sitting services, etc.

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 andChapter 2		Chapter 1•

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.
Doctor’s offices, clinics: For treatment of mild symptoms and slight injuries.

ii.		

Middle-scale hospital: For surgeries, hospitalization and emergency careiii.		

Large-scale hospital: For critical emergencies and advanced medical treatment•

		Find a doctor depends on your symptoms of illness or injuries. Here are some examples:Internal

Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs

Medicine(digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary organs, blood, endocrine,
them when you catch a cold or have general health problems
Surgical treatments mainly by operations for internal organs damagedby cancer 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.

62

Chapter 12

Dentistry

Chapter 11

Ophthalmology

Chapter 10

Pediatrics

Chapter 9

Surgery.

Chapter 8

nerves, etc.) mainly with medication without operations. You can also see

Chapter 7

		 Present your health insurance card at the hospital or clinic, or otherwise you will cover thefull amount of medical expenses.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4

1-1

Chapter 3

Medical institutions

Chapter 2

1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.

Chapter 3*		Medical Information Net, which is provided online by your prefectural government

Chapter 2i.		

Chapter 1•

How to find medical institution

https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/jpn/mi_guide.html
		

It is also possible to consult at the following:
The municipal office in your areaii.		

A Medical Safety Support Center (*)*		

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4•

A total of 410 Medical Safety Support Centers are located in prefectures, municipalities with public health centers
Chapter 6

and wards in Tokyo.

See the following URL for details:

https://www.anzen-shien.jp/center/		

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•

Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12636Medical Services

Medical Insurance

2-1

Chapter 3

Health Insurance(1) Enrollment Requirements

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 (this requirement is supposed to be abolished ;after October of 2022, who are expected to work for morethan two months for the company);•		

who earn more than 88,000 yen a month;•		

who are not students; and•		 who work for a company with more than 501 employees(after October of 2022, a company with more than
101 employees).

(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%)64

Chapter 12

Copayment of medical expenses

Chapter 11

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 10(2) Insurance premiums

Chapter 9iii.		 Those who work as a part-time worker or a temporary staff
for less than 30 hours a week but work over three fourths of the weekly labour hoursof a regular employee at the same company (workplace)

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7		Chapter 6•

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4Those who work for a company which is obliged to have their employees enroll in the healthinsurance and are obliged to enroll in the health insurance:••

Chapter 2

No matter where you are from, you are obliged to enroll in public medical insurance in Japan.
This is a Japanese social system to guarantee that any resident can equally receives medical
services at a high standard at low cost by sharing the cost across the whole of society.

Chapter 12

6Medical Services

Medical expenses

•

		

•

		 When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion or massage which your doctor
deems medically necessary; or•		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;When you have received medical services outside of Japan.

High-cost medical care expenses•

		 The reason why the patient had significant difficulties in transportation is his/her injury orillness which is the cause of the transportation;•		It was an emergency and unavoidable.

Accident and Sickness AllowanceChildbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant

Maternity Leave Allowance

Family Medical Expenses
If the dependents of an insured (subscriber) get ill or injured, the insured will be eligible toreceive Family Medical Expenses. The range, measure and duration of the payment are the sameas that of Medical Expenses for the insured.

65

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

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 (after April of 2023, 500,000 yen).

Chapter 10

The duration of payment will be onward for up to 18 months in total counting from the firstday of payment.

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

In the above-mentioned cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself;
however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible for reimbursement of the expenses
minus your copayment.

Chapter 2

		 When you have just been employed by a company and not received aninsurance card yet;

Chapter 1•

6Medical Services

2-2

National Health Insurance
Chapter 1(1) Enrollment requirements•

		 Foreign nationals are obliged to join National Health Insurance
except in the following cases:i.		

The period of stay is less than three months (*);

ii.		

The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”;

The status of residence is “Diplomat”;

vi.		

Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; or*		“Entertainer”•

		”Technical Intern Training”•

		“Dependent”•

		Designated Activities (except iii. and iv. above)

You can join in or withdraw from National Health Insurance (*) at the municipal office in yourarea. Ask the municipal office for more details.

i.		

When you move to a different municipality; orii.		

When you join Employee’s Health Insurance.

Chapter 11(*) You must withdraw from National Health Insurance in the following cases:

Chapter 10(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

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:

Chapter 7vii.		 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
issued by the government to show their membership of the social insurance system intheir home country.

Chapter 6v.		

Chapter 5iv.		 The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”;

Chapter 4iii.		 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 isengaged in the activities mentioned above”;

Chapter 3

		 All registered residents who are under 75 and are not in Employees’ Health Insurance are
obliged to get enrolled in National Health Insurance.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 12(3) Insurance premiums
Insurance premiums are calculated on a per-household basis and decided according to
the insured’s income or the number of the household. This amount is paid by the head of thehousehold.
*		 Insurance premiums may be reduced in accordance with income and other circumstances. Ask for further information
at the municipal office in your area.

66

6

Medical Services(4) Benefits

The copayment ratio of medical expenses for an insured is as follows:

Medical expenses

•

		

•

		 When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion or massage which your doctor
deems medically necessary; or•		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;When you have received medical services outside of Japan.

		You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred to;•		 The reason why the patient had significant difficulties in transportation is his/her injury orillness which is 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 (after April of 2023, 500,000 yen).

67

Chapter 12Childbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

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 9

Medical transportation expenses

Chapter 8

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 7

High-cost medical care expenses

Chapter 6

In the above-mentioned cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself;
however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible for reimbursement of the expenses
minus your copayment.

Chapter 5

		 When you have just been employed by a company and not received aninsurance card yet;

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3•

		 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 preretirement
income level: 30%)

Chapter 2••

Chapter 1

Copayment of medical expenses

6

Medical 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

		 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 thisprogram as well:i.		

The period of stay is less than three months (*);

ii.		

The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”;v.		

The status of residence is “Diplomat”;

vi.		

Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; orEven if your period of stay is shorter than three months, you can join the program if your status of residence is“Entertainer”•

		“Technical Intern Training”•

		“Dependent”•

		“Designated Activities” (except iii. and iv. above)(2) Enrollment and withdrawal application

68

Chapter 12Your 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.

Chapter 11		Chapter 10

one of the following and if you have any document to certify that your stay will be longer than three months:•

Chapter 9(*)		Chapter 8vii.		 Persons who are from a country with which the Japanese government has a social
security agreement including health insurance, and have an official certificate issued by
the government to show their membership of the social insurance system in their homecountry.

Chapter 7

iv.		 The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as“sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”;

Chapter 6iii.		 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 isengaged in the activities meantioned above”;

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

		 All registered residents in Japan aged 75 years or older must join the
Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter Stage of Life.

Chapter 3•

6Medical Services(3) Insurance Premiums(4) Benefits

Additionally, from October 1 of 2022, those who have an income above a certain level otherthan those who have an income at a preretirement level, their copayment ratio is 10% or 20%.

•

		

•

		 When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion or massage whichyour doctor deems medically necessary; or•		When you purchase medical devices such as a cast;When you have received medical services outside of Japan.

In the above-mentioned cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself;
however, once your application is approved, you will be eligible for reimbursement of the expenses
minus your copayment.

		 You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferredto;•		 The reason why the patient had significant difficulties in transportation is his/her injury orillness which is the cause of the transportation;•		It was an emergency and unavoidable.

69

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

If a patient has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to an
instruction by a doctor, he/she will be eligible for reimbursement of his/her medical transportation
expenses in cash in cases where the following requirements are fulfilled:

Chapter 10

Medical transportation expenses

Chapter 9

The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where thetotal 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, theover-the-limit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with the income
level of the insured.

Chapter 8

High-cost medical care expenses

Chapter 7

		 When you have just obtained insurance but not received an insurance
card yet;

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

Medical expenses

Chapter 4

When you receive medical treatment under the insurance coverage, your copayment ratio is10%. However, if you have an income at a preretirement level, your portion is 30%.

Chapter 3

Copayment of medical expenses

Chapter 2

There are cases in which the premiums are reduced for dependents in the employees’ healthinsurance or for the insured in accordance with their income level and life status. Ask for moredetails at the municipal office in your area.

Chapter 1

Insurance premiums are the total amount of per-capita base and income-base charges.

6

Medical Services

Medicine		•		 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
seller at the drugstore.

3-1

A registered drug seller offers some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as well.

Pharmacies

Drugstores

Chapter 6

OTC drugs are available at drug stores as well as at pharmacies. However, prescription
medications cannot be prepared at drugstores.

Chapter 5

3-2

Chapter 4

A pharmacy is a shop where pharmacists prepare medicines based on prescription issued bya doctor. After having medicine-taking guidance, you can receive the medicines. OTC drugs arealso available.

Chapter 3*		Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

3

Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1270

Chapter 2

PensionThe Japanese public pension is a system to provide lifetime social security through mutual
generational support.

Other than old-age pension, there are disability pension and pension for surviving family.

60

Receiving Pension

Employees’ Pension Insurance(Until you stop working)

Chapter 8Contributions paying
National Pension

65

Chapter 720

Persons who have paid fewer
than 40 years of contributions
can enroll.

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

Image 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 goesto pension benefits of people such as the elderly.

Chapter 3

1

Chapter 1

Pension andWelfareChapter 7

Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Eligible employees are obliged to enroll
Employees’ Pension Insurance.
The pension amount they will receive
is higher than they only enroll the
National Pension

Chapter 11
Chapter 1271

7Pension and Welfare

1-1

National Pension
Chapter 1

The Japanese National Pension system is a public pension system in which those aged 20 to59 years who reside in Japan are to enroll.

Chapter 2(1) How to enroll the system
The insured (participants) are categorized according to their status as follows:		 Persons who are not in Category II or III, such as those who are self-employed,
students, etc. are categorized in Category I.

•		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 employsyou.
		

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*		Those aged 65 to 69 need to fall under several requirements such as they are born before April 1 of 1965.

•

		 Contributions for those of Category I can be paid in cash when you receive a payment noticeby (paying at service window of financial institutions, convenience stores etc.), bank transfer,or with a credit card.

•

		

•

		 Exemption from payment or contributions postponement options are available for those of
Category I, if they have difficulties paying contributions if your income has reduced or you havelost your job.

•

		 For more details, please contact your municipal government or a Japan Pension Service(JPS) branch near you.

A discount is applied if the full amount is paid in advance.

72

Chapter 12

		 Contributions for those of Category I and optional subscribers are flat. Additionally, uponrequest, they can pay contributions by adding to ordinary ones (loading contributions)
upon request. Those in Category II and III are exempted from payments of National Pension
contributions.

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10(2) Contributions

Chapter 9

In addition, those who do not fall under any of i to iii and live in Japan aged 60 to 69 and meeta certain conditions may become insured under a National Pension (optional subscribers) uponrequest. Applications to enroll should be filed at the municipal office in the person’s area.

Chapter 8

pension benefits are not categorized in Category III, either.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6

Category III insured persons

Chapter 5iii.		•

Chapter 4ii.		

Category I insured persons

Chapter 3

i.		

7

Pension and Welfare

If you continue to fail payment of contributions:
Approximately 20,000 yen per year of “old-age basic pension” shall be reduced for
one year absence of payment.

•

In the case where you become disabled, you may not receive “disability basic pension”.

•

In the case where you pass away, your surviving family may not receive “survivor’s
basic pension”.

Chapter 3(3) Benefits

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1*

Old-age Basic Pension

		 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.

•		 Those who pay loading contributions can receive additional pension (200 yen x the numberof months of additional contributions)(annual amount).
*		 The period of time during which the contributions have not been paid cannot be included in the qualifying period

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

		 Persons who have paid contributions for at least 10 years are eligible to receive the Old-age
Basic Pension when the insured attains 65 years of age.

Chapter 4•

for benefits.
period of time will be calculated in accordance with the type of such exemption and the basic pension expenditure
ratio in the National Treasury.

•		Persons who fulfill all of the following are eligible to receive the Disability Basic Pension:ii.		

A disability above a certain level has been caused by illness or injuries;		

There are two grades of disabilities.

•		

Benefit amount varies from the grade.
Disability Grade 1 → Full amount of Old-age Basic Pension × 1.25

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.

73

Chapter 12

•

i.		

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10iii.		 Contribution payment requirements had been fulfilled as of the day before the dayof the first doctor consultation.

Chapter 9i.		 The first consultation day (doctor/dentist consultation about the illness or injuries
which have eventually caused the disability in question was carried out for the firsttime) while the insured had been covered by the National Pension system;

Chapter 8

Disability Basic Pension

Chapter 7*		 The pension benefit amount to be paid to persons who have been exempted from the contributions payment for a

7

Pension and Welfare

Survivors' Basic Pension
		 A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who satisfies the following conditions is eligible toreceive Survivors’ Basic Pension.

i.		 At the moment when an insured or ex-insured died, he/she had satisfied thecontribution payment requirements.

•

Chapter 4		 The amount of Survivors’ Basic Pension are the same as that for the full Basic Pension
benefit. An additional amount will be paid if you have a Child.

Chapter 3ii.		 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”.

Chapter 2→ A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who depended economically on the deceased
insured satisfies i or ii below.

Chapter 1•

Who is a “Child”?

		

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
and has not yet received any benefits, a family member can receive the Lump-sum Death
Benefit.

•		 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
system at least for 10 years as a Category I insured person. However, said widow must havebeen 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 are not eligible for Employees’ Pension Insurance are to enroll in the National
Pension system.

74

Chapter 12

Employees who work for employers who are responsible to enroll their employees inappropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems will enroll Employees’ Pension
Insurance by satisfying the enrollment requirements. (The requirements for employers andemployees are the same as those in Health Insurance.)

Chapter 11

1-2

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

Widow's Pension

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

Lump-sum Death Benefit

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

The term “Child” refers to a child or young unmarried person who fulfills following two conditions:7

Pension and Welfare(1) Eligible members (subscriber)•

		 Persons who are 70 years or more and do not meet certain requirements such as being notqualified for receiving old-age basic pension may be eligible for becoming insured (old-age
optional subscriber) upon request.

The following employers have a responsibility to enroll their employees in the appropriate
employees' health and pension insurance systems:ii.		 Private entities except those in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and service
industries and that have five or more employees; orVoluntary applicable businesses based on a labor-management agreement.

Those who fall under (a) to (c) employed in the appropriate employers shall be the insured:(a)		

Regular employees, representatives and executive officers;

i. Persons whose regular working hours per week are 20 hours or more;iii. Persons other than students; andiv. Persons who work for the companies with 101 employees or more.

governments can become the insured only by satisfying i to iii mentioned above.
(Note 2.) The number of employees of companies of iv shall be 51 or more after October 1 of 2024.
to be employed beyond the said period shall not be applicable to becoming the insured (eventhough their original employment period is less than two months, in some may be eligible tobecome the insured from the beginning of employment.)

Chapter 12(2) Contributions•

		

Chapter 11(Note 3.) Persons whose period of employment is specified as two months and less and not expected

Chapter 10(Note 1.) Employees who are employed by the appropriate employers that belong to National and local

Chapter 9ii. Persons whose monthly wages are 88,000 yen or more;

Chapter 8(c)		 Persons whose regular working hours per week and regular working days per day isless than 3/4 who satisfy the following four requirements:

Chapter 7(b)		 Persons whose regular working hours per week and regular working days per day
is 3/4 of those of regular employees engaged in the same office and work (part-timer,
temporary staff etc.)

Chapter 6

Requirements to become insured

Chapter 5iii.		

Chapter 4i.		 Corporations;

Chapter 3

Requirements for appropriate employers

Chapter 2

		 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 (subscriber).

Chapter 1•

Co-payment Contributions are calculated as follows:
Monthly salary (monthly average remuneration) × Contribution rate ÷2+ bonus (standard bonus amount) × Contribution rate ÷2*		 The employee and the company each pay half of the contributions for Employees’ Pension Insurance.

75

7

Pension and Welfare(3) Benefits•

		 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.

*		 It is possible to receive Old-age Employees’ Pension before your 65th birthday if you meet the contribution payment
qualifications.

•		

Persons who fulfill all of the following can receive Disability Employees’ Pension:

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.
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.

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6ii.		

Chapter 5i.		 The first consultation day (doctor/dentist consultation about the illness or injuries
which have eventually caused the disability in question was carried out for the firsttime) about the illness or injury which have eventually caused the disability in question
was carried out while an insured had been covered by Employees’ Pension Insurance;

Chapter 4

Disability Employees’ Pension

Chapter 3

		 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.

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

Old-age Employees’ Pension

			 Guaranteed minimum benefit = Disability Grade 2 Disability Basic Pension amount ×3/4•

		 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;iii.		 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
Pension died.
•		 Survivors’ pension amount is 3/4 of the Old-age Employees’ Pension that the insured would
receive.

76

Chapter 12ii.		 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;

Chapter 11i.		

Chapter 10

Survivors’ Employees’ Pension

Chapter 9

Even if your disabilities are not approved for Disability Employees’ Pension, you may be able
to receive benefits for persons with disabilities.

7

Pension and Welfare

A “Survivor” is defined as any of the following:i.		

Spouse (In case of a husband, he must be over 55 years. He canii.		

Child (as defined in the National Pension system)iii.		

Parents (Over 55 years old. They can receive a pension from

Chapter 2

receive a pension from 60 years old.)

Chapter 1

Who is a “Survivor”?

60 years old.)Grandchildren (the same conditions as the Children are applicable)v.		

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.

Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments

Chapter 6

Eligibility

You do not have Japanese nationality.

Your qualifying periods for old-age pension are less than 10 years (10 years in total);iv.		

You no longer have a registered address in Japan;v.		

You are no longer covered by the EPI and the NP;

vi.		 You have never had the right to receive Japanese public pension benefits including
Disability Allowance.
Within 2 years after the date you no longer have a registered address in Japan.

Chapter 10vii.		

Chapter 9iii.		

Chapter 8ii.		 You have paid contributions as the insured under the Employees’ Pension Insurance(EPI) or the Category I of National Pension (NP) for six months or more;

Chapter 7

You may claim Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (LWP) in the case where you leave Japan if
you satisfy all conditions as below:i.		

Chapter 5

1-3

Chapter 4*		 If a husband is qualified for the Survivors’ Basic Pension, he can receive Survivor Employees’ Pension from55 years old.

Chapter 3iv.		

Chapter 11
Chapter 1277

7Pension and Welfare

Important notes for the application*		

Chapter 2i.		 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 the possibility of receiving
Japanese old-age basic pension before claiming LWP.

Chapter 1

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

If your insured periods is only in and before March 2021:
It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 3 years (36 months).
It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 5 years (60 months).

Payments and the application form including mailing address.

Japan has concluded Social Security Agreements with several countries. If you have insured periodsof a country that has a totalization agreement with Japan, you may be entitled toeach country is insufficient for the entitlement, by totalizing the insured periodsof both countries.
See the list of contracting countries of the Agreements on the website of the Ministry of Health,Labour and Welfare.

78

Chapter 12a benefit(s) from Japan or/and the other country, even if your insured periods ofChapter 11

Social Security Agreement

Chapter 10

https://www.nenkin.go.jp/service/jukyu/todoke/kyotsu/20150406.html

Chapter 9

Visit the following JPS website for more details about Lump-sum Withdrawal

Chapter 8

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.

Chapter 7

If your insured periods includes in and after April 2021.

Chapter 6

iv.		 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 5iii.		 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 4ii.		 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 3

read the notes on the application form carefully.

7

Pension and Welfare

Long-Term Care Insurance

2-1

Chapter 3

Eligibility

Premiums

Over 65 years old member (Primary insured persons)ii.		

Over 40 and under 65 years old member (Secondary insured persons)
The premium will be deducted together with that for medical insurance.

(Secondary insured persons):

2-3

Long-Term Care service*		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 result

generally within 30 days.

*		

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.

*		

In addition, long-term preventive care and life support services are available for persons who are notcertified for long-term care (needed support). Ask at your municipal office for further information.

79

Chapter 12ii.		 Request the Care Plan from a Care Manager or a Community General Support Centerin your area.

Chapter 11i.		 Apply for a certificate for Long-Term Care (Needed Support) at the municipal officein your area. Your application needs to be approved.

Chapter 10

The process for using the long-term care service:

Chapter 9https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_10548.html

Chapter 8

See the following URL for details about the Long-Term Care Insurance system

Chapter 7

As a general rule, the premium is deducted from your pension. (You should pay
in cash when you receive a payment notice.)

Chapter 6i.		

Chapter 5

The insured in this system pay a premium calculated in accordance with their income in theprevious year. The amount of premium varies not only from the income but also from the age ofthe insured and the area they live in.

Chapter 4

Persons who are over 40 years old and who will reside in Japan longer than three months haveto get enrolled in the system.

2-2

Chapter 2

In Japan, there is a Long-Term Care Insurance system where the whole ofsociety supports the elderly who need long-term care, etc. The insured pay
premiums and when they need long-term care, they can use the long-termcare service by paying their co-payment.

Chapter 12

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

Chapter 6

Children whose parents are divorced;

Chapter 5i.		

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

See Chapter 4-3, Article 3-4

birthday, or persons who are under 20 with certain disabilities.
Chapter 7

Monthly allowance* In FY2022 (the amount varies every year in linked with prices)		First child/Where you have one childIn full: 43,070 yen Partial payment: from 43,060 to 10,160 yen		Additional amount for the second child and subsequent children[Second child]In full: 10,170 yen Partial payment: from 10,160 to 5,090 yen
In full: 6,100 yen Partial payment: From 6,090 to 3,050 yen*		 The benefit amount varies from year to year depending on the inflation rate. Those whose income in the previous
year had reached a certain standard are not eligible to receive it. When you receive a public pension, etc., thearea.

Chapter 11

allowance will only be paid partially, or will not be paid. For further information, ask at the municipal office in your

Chapter 10[Per child including the third and subsequent children]

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8•

Chapter 1280

7Pension and Welfare*		

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 FY2022 (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 52,400 yen/month		

In case of children with severe disabilities (equivalent to Disabilities Grade 2 for the basic

pension)Per child 34,900 yen/month

Severe Disability Premium*		

If a qualified person had an income at a certain level in the previous year, such person will not be eligible toreceive the premium. Contact your municipal office for more details.

* In FY2022 (the amount varies every year linked to retail prices):

Chapter 914,850 yen/month

Chapter 8

Benefit amount

Chapter 7

Children and young persons under 20 who have severe physical or mental disabilities andneed consistent nursing care are eligible to receive this premium.

Chapter 6

3-4

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Benefit amount

Chapter 2

Parents and guardians who raise children who are under 20 years old and have physical ormental 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 1281

7Pension and Welfare

Welfare for persons with disabilities
Certification for Persons with Disabilities

Chapter 3

If a person has physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, a Certification for Persons with
Disabilities is issued according to the grade of his or her disability as a certificate. With thiscertification, a tax reduction and discounts on transportation fares are applied.

Chapter 2

4-1

Chapter 1

4

Types of Certification for Persons with Disabilities
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 intellectual disabilities which cause themdifficulties and limitations in social life

See the following URL for details:*		

Public services for persons and children with disabilities

Nursing and development support are also available for children andyoung persons with disabilities.

Chapter 9

For further information on public services for persons with disabilities,
contact your municipal office.

Chapter 8

Various types of public services, such as nursing and rehabilitation
training, are available for persons with disabilities.

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•

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 1282

7Pension and Welfare

Public Assistance*		

The minimum standard of living is determined by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare.

Chapter 2Upon meeting the requirements indicated in 5-1, if a household’s income does not reach theminimum standard of living, public support may be given to bridge the difference between theincome and the standard.

Chapter 1

5Foreign nationals who fulfill the following condition may be eligible for the assistance:
		 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
Resident, Long-Term Resident

Requirements for Public Assistance(1) Utilizing Assets

If you can work, make the best of your skills.

If you are eligible for pensions and/or any allowances, apply for them.

Chapter 10

If you can get financial support from any of your relatives, receive the support.

Chapter 9(4) Support from family members

Chapter 8(3) Other Allowances

Chapter 7(2) Utilizing Skills

Chapter 6

If you have any savings or land/buildings that are not in use, turn them into cash to cover yourliving expenses.

Chapter 5

5-1

Chapter 4

For more details, please consult the municipal office in your area.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 11
Chapter 1283

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

assistancecare insurance

assistanceMaternity
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

Expense of childbirthLong-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 1284

7Pension and Welfare

Services to promote independence forpeople in need

Chapter 2

We provide a comprehensive and customized support for thosehaving difficulties. In their daily lives regarding money, employment,
housing and so on.

Chapter 1

6

Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

85

Tax

Chapter 8

Chapter 1
Chapter 2

Non-Japanese citizens and tax•

		Persons who earn income in Japan;
→		

		

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.)

National Tax and Local Tax•		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
Chapter 7

Local Taxes.

The tax is calculated as follows:
Gross income − Expenses, etc. = Net income (A)ii.		

Net income (A) − Deductions (see 1-3) = Taxable income (B)iii.		

Taxable income (B) × tax rate

86

Chapter 12

The tax rate gradually rises along with the increase taxable income (B).

Chapter 11i.		

Chapter 10

Individual Income Tax is a tax imposed on personal income earned in a year starting fromJanuary 1 through December 31.

Chapter 9

Individual Income Tax

Chapter 8

1

Chapter 6

Japanese taxes are divided into National and Local Taxes, depending on to whom the tax is paid.

Chapter 5

Consumption tax is also imposed when you stay at a hotel or eat at a restaurant,etc.

Chapter 4•

As a rule, individual income tax is imposed on income.

Chapter 3

Non-Japanese citizens under the following conditions must pay tax in Japan:

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 forover a year until the present (except (2) Non-Permanent Residents) are termed Residents.

•

		"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 4“Domicile” and “Residence”

Chapter 3→		 All worldwide income of Residents that is earned inside and outside of Japan is subject
to income tax.

Chapter 2(1) Residents

Chapter 1

The scope of individual income tax varies according to the following types of residence:

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 the→		① Their income other than earned outside Japan, and ② their income earned outside
Japan 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 9(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 11
Chapter 12

87

8

Tax

1-2

Filing a tax return and payment•

		 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
office will not send any notifications regarding this.)i.		

Automatic account transfer from your domestic bank accountiii.		

Online payment with your credit card; or		 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
refund.

Income tax consultation and payments for every tax year must be done between February 16
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(weekends, national holidays, etc.).
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 day.

88

Chapter 12(3) When to file a tax return and pay tax

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10(2) Persons who are eligible for a tax refund by filing a tax return

Chapter 9iv.		 Over-the-counter payment with a tax payment slip (service
window at banks, post offices, convenience stores or tax offices)

Chapter 8ii.		 Online payment via Direct Payment (automatic accounttransfer by e-Tax) or Internet banking

Chapter 7

The following methods can be used to pay tax:

Chapter 6

		 Persons who have one employer and their total amount of their income other than salary
income and severance allowance exceeds 200,000 yen;

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

However, in principle, persons to whom any of the following apply must file a tax return:

Chapter 3

The majority of persons who receive salaries and wages do not need to file a tax return,since their tax obligations are determined by their income tax being withheld (see 1-4) and later
adjusted in the final salary paid to them in a calendar year (see 1-4).

Chapter 2(1) Persons who need to file a tax return

Chapter 1

Income tax is self-assessed, with the annual income and the tax to be imposed on it calculated.
Taxpayers submit a tax return to the tax office to determine the tax obligation while adjusting thewithheld amount (see 1-4) within the due date. This procedure is called filing a tax return.

8

Tax

(4) When you leave Japan		 If you need to file a tax return due to one of cases in (1) applying to you, you have to do so
and pay any tax you owe before you leave Japan.

•

		 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 toAdminister the Taxpayer’s Tax Affairs for Income Tax and Consumption Tax” to the tax officewith jurisdiction. The agent will take care of the procedures after you leave Japan.

Major tax deductions

In case of a Non-Resident (see 1-1 (3)), only limited types of deductions are applicable.

•

		 If your dependent family member is Non-Resident (see 1-1(3)), you need to attach thefollowing documents to a tax return form or show them when you submit your tax return form
at a tax office:1.		

Family registration (a copy of your family’s koseki); and2.		 Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident
family member.
		 After 2023, in the case where the age of your dependent family member is from 30 to 69
and do not fall under any of the mentioned below, he/she shall not be eligible for receiving
income deduction:ii.

The dependent family member is the disabled; andWithin the fiscal year, you pay 380,000 yen or more as cost of living or education
fees for the dependent family member.

Chapter 11

iii.

The dependent family member no longer lives in Japan due to overseas
education;

Chapter 10i.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8		 In the case where you financially support a family member, and the total income of suchdependent is 480,000 yen or less (380,000 yen or less in or before 2019), you can receive acertain amount of income deduction on your income tax calculation.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6(1) If you give economic support to your family;

Chapter 5

Taking each individual’s circumstances into consideration, a certain amount of deductions isapplicable on your income tax calculation (see the formula in 1 above) if you fulfill the following:

Chapter 4

1-3

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

		 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.

Chapter 1•

Chapter 12

89

8

Tax

(2) If you are married;•

		 If your spouse is Non-Resident (See 1-1(3),) you have to attach the following documents toa tax return form or show them when you submit the tax return form at a tax office:1.		

A marriage certificate (a copy of family registration, etc.); and(3) If you pay social insurance;

Withholding and 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.

90

Chapter 12

1-5

Tax is adjusted in the final salary or wage in a calendar year (year-end adjustment).

Chapter 11

		 Persons who receive salaries and wages pay income tax in the withholding tax system.
When their salaries or wages are paid, income tax is subtracted (withheld) from them by theiremployer.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

1-4

Chapter 8

If the total amount of medical expenses spent by a taxpayer, his/her spouse and/or otherfamily 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.

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
premiums and/or pension insurance premiums, you can receive a certain amount of income
deduction.

Chapter 5(4) If you pay life insurance premiums; orChapter 4

If you pay social insurance (Health insurance, National Pension, Employee’s pension insurance,etc.) for yourself, your spouse and other family members who depend on you for their livelihood,
you can receive an income deduction depending on the amount of the insurance premiums.

Chapter 3

2.		 Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident
spouse.

Chapter 2

		 If you are married and satisfy certain requirements, a certain amount of deduction isapplicable to your income.

Chapter 1

•

8

Tax

Definition of Individual Inhabitant Taxes•

		 Individual Inhabitant Taxes consist of an income-graded component which is assessed onyour income for the preceding year and a flat-rate component whose amount is regardless of
your amount of income.

•		 The Individual Inhabitant Taxes to be paid to your prefecture will be paid to your municipal
government together with the one for your municipality.

•		

How to pay the Individual Inhabitant Taxes
There are two ways of paying:your local government.

Miscellaneous
Please note the following regarding Individual Inhabitant Taxes:

iii.		 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.

91

Chapter 12ii.		 When those who pay the taxes by special collection (see 2-2 i) terminate theiremployment, the outstanding tax balance must be paid by ordinary collection (see 2-2 ii).
However, there is another way to pay them to your municipality, namely, requestingthat the company that employed you withhold the taxes from any salary or severance
allowance that would be paid to you.

Chapter 11i.		 The taxes must be paid to the municipality where you have had your registeredaddress on January 1. Even if you leave Japan on January 2 or after, you still have an
obligation to pay the tax.

Chapter 10

		Chapter 9•

Chapter 8*		 You may pay your tax at the post office or a convenience store. See the instructions indicated on the letter from

Chapter 7ii.		 Ordinary collection: When you receive a written tax demand from your local
government, go to the government office yourself with the demand you have received
and the amount of taxes indicated on it. (*)

Chapter 6i.		 Special collection: The company that employs you withholds your Individual
Inhabitant Taxes from your salary and pays it to your municipal government. As a rule,
employees themselves do not need to pay the taxes to the municipal office.

2-3

Chapter 52-2

Chapter 4		 This is a tax you are obliged to pay to the prefectural and municipal offices with jurisdiction
over your address as of January 1.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

2-1

Individual Inhabitant Taxes

Chapter 1

2

8

Tax

Consumption Tax

Tax on your automobile

When you purchase an automobile or a light automobile

If you have an automobile(The amount of the tax reduction is calculated based on the engine size and other elements.)
government.

If you have a light automobile(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.

92

Chapter 12

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. (*)

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
Automobile Tax, a tax reduction will be applied according to its engine size. (*)

Chapter 9(2) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax and tax reduction
according to engine size

Chapter 8(The amount of the environmental performance-based tax reduction is determined according
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 orLight Motor Vehicle Tax with an environmental performance-based tax reduction.

Chapter 6(1) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax with anenvironmental performance-based tax reduction

Chapter 5

Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax

Chapter 4

4-1

Chapter 3

4

Chapter 2

The Consumption Tax at the rate of is 10% (Standard tax rate) is
applied to the purchase of goods and services in Japan. In the case of
the purchase of food and drink excluding alcoholic drink and dining
out, the rate of 8% (Reduced tax rate) is applied.

Chapter 1

3

8

Tax

Vehicle Weight Tax

When you have your automobile or light automobile inspected•

Property Tax

Chapter 3

5i. Land; ii. Buildings; or iii. Depreciable assets.

•

		 The amount to pay will be calculated by the municipal office based on the values of theassets.

•		

Pay the tax to the municipal office where your asset is located.

Inquiries about tax

Chapter 7
Chapter 8

6-1

You have to declare the depreciable assets you have.

Chapter 6

		Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

		 You are obliged to pay property tax if you have any of the following as of January 1 each
year:

6

Chapter 2

Vehicle Weight Tax is imposed according to the weight of your vehicle when it is inspected.

Chapter 1

4-2

National Taxes

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

93

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
Payment Call Centers:

Chapter 9(1) By Telephone (Call center)

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 1294

Traffic

1

Traffic rules

Chapter 1

Chapter 9

Chapter 2
Chapter 3

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 areavailable.

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

As members of society, we are all obligated to obey traffic rules to ensure the safe and smooth
movement of the many vehicles and pedestrians using our streets.

Chapter 8(2) Rules for crossing the street

•

		

•

		 Pedestrians should clearly show a driver their intention to cross the street by raising theirhand or looking to the driver and cross the street only after the safety is confirmed.

•

		Pedestrians should never cross a street that is marked with signs that prohibit crossing.

Pedestrians should check that there are not any cars coming while crossing a street.

Rules of traffic lights
		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.

•

		

•

		 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.

Red light: Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street.

95

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

		 Pedestrians should cross the street using the nearest traffic light intersection or pedestriancrossings, overpass or underpass.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

Crossing the street safely

9Traffic

Crossing streets that have no traffic lights•

		 Before crossing the streets, pedestrians should stop and look in both directions to check foroncoming vehicles. If vehicles are approaching pedestrians should wait until they pass.

•		 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 makesure 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

Safety guidelines for cyclists		•		 While cyclists may use the sidewalks on the left of roads, they should not impede thepassage of pedestrians.

•

		 Cyclists should use the lanes marked for bicycles on sidewalks or roads when they areavailable.

•

		 Children under 13, adults 70 and over, and people with physical disabilities are permitted
to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.

•		 If standard bicycles are permitted to be ridden on sidewalk, you must keep to the roadway
side, and proceed along at a speed that can be stopped immediately.

•

		 Cyclists must come to a stop if the bicycle’s progress would prevent pedestrians fromproceeding

Cyclists should use designated bicycle paths when they are available.

96

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

		 Bicycles are classified as vehicles, so as a general rule, cyclists should use theleft side of street.

Chapter 10•

Chapter 9

Rule 1. In principle, cyclists must ride on roadways and ride on
the left;only in exceptional cases may sidewalks be used and givepedestrians the right of way.

Chapter 8(1) Five rules to follow to ensure safety when riding a bicycle

Chapter 7

1-2

Chapter 6

When walking on the street at night, pedestrians shoud wear brightly colored clothing such as
white or yellow as well as accessories with reflective materials or LED lights to ensure that drivers
can easily see them.

Chapter 5(3) Walking at night

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3

Rules for rail crossings

Chapter 2

		 Pedestrians should cross the street only after confirming there are no vehicles coming fromeither direction.

Chapter 1•9Traffic

Rule 2. At intersections,obey traffic signals and must come to a stop and check
		 At an intersection where traffic light mechanism is installed, check for safety and cross thestreet after the light turns green.

•		 At the intersection where cyclists should stop temporarily, make sure to stop temporarily tocheck for safety.

Rule 3. Cyclists must use bicycle lights at night.
		

Cyclists must use bicycle lights at night.

•

		 Cyclists should inspect that bicycle lights are surely it before
riding bicycles•

		

Cyclists are strictly prohibited from riding bicycles when they drink alcohol.

		All bicycle users should wear a bicycle helmet when they ride bicycles.

•		 When having others ride a bicycle, you should have them wear a bicycle helmet. Parents
and guardians must ensure that children wear a bicycle helmet when children ride a bicycle
and have infants ride on child seat for bicycle;

		

Riding double and riding side by side is prohibited.

•		

Cyclists must not use umbrellas or use mobile phones when riding.

•

		 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“bicycle liability insurance” to cover liabilities for damages in many areas such as Tokyo or
Osaka.

https://www.jitensha-kyogikai.jp/project/#insurance-promotion

Chapter 10(2) Using intersections

		At intersections with traffic lights•

		

At intersections without traffic lights

The cyclist should look behind to check for safety, cross the intersection in a straightdirection, then slow down to make a right-hand turn,and check for oncoming cars before
proceeding.

97

Chapter 12

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 theintersecting street turns green, the cyclist should proceed in a straight direction after looking
both ways to check for safety.

Chapter 11

When making a right-hand turn•

Chapter 9

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

Other regulations

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

Rule 5. Wear bicycle helmet

Chapter 4

Rule 4. Prohibited from riding under the influence of alcohol

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

safety.

9Traffic

When making a left-hand turn

Designated lines for bicycles

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.

•

		

•

		 When driving near pedestrians and cyclists, drivers should slow down and make sure tokeep a safe distance between them and the vehicle.

•

		

•

		 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
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 4•

Chapter 3

1-3

Chapter 2

When an intersection has designated lines for bicycles, cyclists should ride
within the lines.

Chapter 1

The cyclist should make sure not to obstruct pedestrians crossing the street.

You must drive on the left.
Chapter 5

NEVER drive after drink.

Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 9https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12989Traffic

Driver’s licensei.		

Japanese driver’s license;iii.		 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

Chapter 4(Six countries and areas: Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan)

Chapter 3ii.		 International driving permit (issued by the countries who signed the 1949 Geneva
Conventions and is in the official format); or

Chapter 2

One of the following three valid driver’s licenses is required to drive a car (including motorcycles)
and a motorized bicycle in Japan:

Chapter 1

2one.

See the following URL for details:

2-1		There are several ways to get a Japanese driver’s license as follows:i.		

Getting a Japanese license by taking a driver’s license test

How to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one(c)		
Your application must be submitted at a Driver’s License Center under thejurisdiction of the prefectural police in your area.

99

Chapter 12(d)		
For more details on the documents required for the application, please ask at a
Driver’s License Centers.

Chapter 11(b)		
After being licensed in a country, you must have resided for at least an additional
three months there.

Chapter 10(a)		
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.

Chapter 9(b)		
If you take a complete course of driving lessons at a designated driving school,
you will be exempted from taking a skills examination.

Chapter 8(a)		
You must pass the aptitude, skills and knowledge examination at a Driver’s
License Center, etc.

ii.		

Chapter 7•

How to get a Japanese driver’s license

Chapter 6https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

Chapter 5*		 Regarding 2. and 3., the permit is valid for a maximum of one year.

9

Traffic

How to renew a Japanese driver’s license
Chapter 1

2-2

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 nearyou.

Penalty point system		•		 A driver’s license may be suspended or revoked based on the sum of the points accumulated
over the last three years.

Ownership of motor vehicles (including
motorcycles)•		 When you start to use a unregistered vehicle→ Initial registration

100

Chapter 12

Registration for a unregistered vehicle

Chapter 11(1) When to register and types of registration

Chapter 10

Motor vehicles cannot be used unless they are registered. When there is any change to theregistered information, such as change of the owner or owner’s address, or when the vehicle is nolonger used in Japan the registration must be accordingly updated.

Chapter 9Motor vehicle registration

Chapter 8

3-1

Chapter 7

3When a driver violates traffic rules or causes an accident, penalty points will be given.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

2-3

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3		Chapter 2•9Traffic

Registrations for an already-registered vehicle•

		 When the owner changes→ Registration of transfer•

		 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
and Tourism (MLIT) or Automobile Inspection & Registration offices around Japan.

•

		 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

Chapter 10

For more information, please contact the police station with jurisdiction over the parking
location.

Chapter 9This certification is necessary in Tokyo metropolitan 23 wards, cities, towns and some villages.
Certification for light motor vehicles is required in the Tokyo Metropolitan 23 wards and somecities.

Chapter 8

In case of a light motor vehicle, you must notify the police station
with jurisdiction over the location.

Chapter 7

To own an automobile, you as the owner have to have a parking
space. Therefore, when you purchase one or when you move andchange your address, you have to register your car and have a certificate
of parking space issued by the police station with jurisdiction over thelocation of parking space.

Chapter 6

3-2

Chapter 5

Information on MLIT bureaus in Japan:

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3(2) Where to register

Chapter 2

		 When the name or address of the owner change→ Registration of alteration

Chapter 1•

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

101

9

Traffic•

		Automobile owners have to have their motor vehicles inspected periodically as required by law.

•		

There are two ways to have your car inspected:i.		

Carrying to Service garage

By yourself at an MLIT bureau

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kensatoroku/ans_system/help02.htm

https://www.keikenkyo.or.jp/procedures/procedures_000134.html

Chapter 9

		 After your motor vehicle passes its periodical inspection, a certificate and a sticker on which
the inspection expiration date is printed will be issued. Put the sticker on the windshield (orthe upper left part of a number plate in the case of motorcycles), and make sure to carry thecertificate whenever you drive.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

Information on the Kei-Vehicles

Chapter 6

MLIT bureau locator

Chapter 5

About 10% of the automobile owners in Japan nowadays maintain their automobile
by themselves and take it to an MLIT bureau for a safety inspection. Inspection can be
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 4ii.		

Chapter 3

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 withblue sign (designated service garage), yellow sign or green sign (certified service garage)near you.

Chapter 2

Vehicle Safety Inspection (including some types ofmotorcycles)

Chapter 1

3-3

Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

102

9

Traffic

3-4

Car Insurance		

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 purchase CALI (mutual insurance), a certificate is issued for proving the entry of CALI.
When you operate an automobile, make sure to carry the certificate with you. Additionally, as
an insurance (mutual insurance) sticker is issued for a motorcycle whose engine displacementis 250 cc or less, make sure to attach such sticker on the upper left part of the number plate (inthe case of motorized bicycle, to the place where the number plate is easily viewable).

•		If you cause an accident resulting in injuries or death without CALI (mutual insurance), youwill have to pay a very large amount of medical expenses and compensation by yourself.

https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/anzen/04relief/index.html•

		Chapter 7

Where to buy CALI (mutual insurance)

Chapter 6

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

		 CALI is an insurance mandated for all registered vehicles, including automobiles andmotorbikes, to cover provide relief to the victims of traffic accidents.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

What is CALI?

Chapter 1(1) Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI)CALI (mutual insurance) is available at the following:
Insurance companies (mutual aid associations), branches and dealersii.		

Car and motorbike dealers

Chapter 10*		 If you have any inquiries, ask at a location close to you that deals in CALI.

Chapter 9iii.		 For moped bikes and motorbike, CALI can be purchased at Post Offices (somedo not sell CALI), some insurance companies (mutual aid associations), online or atconvenience stores.

Chapter 8i.		

Chapter 11
Chapter 12

103

9

Traffic(2) Voluntary Insurance (mutual insurance)

Differences between CALI and voluntary insurance are as follows:

Purchase

Voluntary Insurance
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

LimitedUpper limits, as per contract

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

Coverage

CALI

Chapter 3

Insurance

Chapter 2

Because of this, there is a “voluntary Insurance (mutual insurance) “ for covering what CALI
does not.

Chapter 1

CALI does not cover property damage due to accidents that cause damage to objects including
vehicles etc..

Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

104

9

Traffic

Stop driving

Chapter 2

4-1

Responding to a Traffic Accident
Chapter 14		•		 Pull your car over to a safe place such as the road shoulder or an open space, to give way toother cars.

Emergency calls to the police and 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
person unnecessarily.

•		

Whether anyone is injured or not, you need to 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
inspected.

Chapter 7

4-3

If anyone gets injured, call 119 to request an ambulance.

Doctor’s diagnosis

		 You may not feel injured in an accident, however, it may turn out later that you have been
seriously injured.

•		

It is recommended that you see a doctor right away.

https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html

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
station you have reported the accident to for more details regarding the application procedure.

•

		 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

105

Chapter 12		Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

Application for a Traffic Accident Certificate

Chapter 9

See the following URL for details:

Chapter 8•4-4Chapter 6

		Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

4-2

Stop driving immediately.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 10

Dial 119 in the case of a medical emergency, injury, or fire.

ii.		 Tell the operator a landmark close-by or the exact location where you want anambulance to be sent.

iv.		

Give the operator your name and telephone number.

https://www.fdma.go.jp/html/life/gaikokujin_kyukyusya_guide/index.html

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
immediate assistance.

Chapter 6i.		 Dial 119. An operator will ask you “is it a fire or a medical emergency?” so tell them“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 9

In case of fire

Tell the operator the location of the fire.

iii.		

Give the operator your name and telephone number.

Chapter 11ii.		

Chapter 10i.		 Dial 119. An operator will ask you “is it a fire or a medical emergency?” so tell them“it’s a fire.”

Chapter 12

106

10

Emergencies and Disasters

1-2

Traffic accidents and crimes etc. (110)•		 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 etc.

iii.		 Description of the other person in the accident or the criminal(s), such as gender,
number of people, age and clothing etc.

•		

If there is anyone injured

If you cannot make a phone call by yourself, ask someone around you to help.

Chapter 4iv,		

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2

		 If you get involved in a traffic accident or a criminal damage etc., and need immediate police
assistance, call 110 for help.

Chapter 1•

Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

107

10

Emergencies and Disasters

Natural Disasters
Tropical cyclones and intense heavy rain•

		 When a tropical cyclone or a low pressure system with fronts passes Japan, it leads totorrential rain over a wide area.

•

		 When convective clouds develop into a towering cumulus (a cumulonimbus) repeatedly inthe same area, it causes heavy localized rainfall (intensive heavy rainfall).

•		 Be careful as these rainfalls may cause sediment disasters and floods which devastate thearea.

Chapter 4

		 When seasons change, warm air meets cold air, forming a boundary (front). A front staying
over Japan may often result in heavy rainfall.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

2-1

Chapter 1

2

Chapter 5(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:

Chapter 6•

Prepare for yourself

Chapter 8

Hazard Map
natural disasters.

Chapter 10

For more details, visit the website below:

Chapter 9This is a map that shows the areas that are most likely to be affected byhttps://disaportal.gsi.go.jp/

ii.		 If evacuation instructions have been issued by your local government, evacuate fromdangerous places and proceed to a safer place.
See “3 Evacuation” for how to evacuate.

108

Chapter 12i.		 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 inyour own decision.

Chapter 11

In case of a heavy rainiii.		

Chapter 7

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 otherfacilities, , with a hazard map or by other methods.

10Emergencies and Disasters(2) Sediment disasterIn case of a heavy rainiii.		

Chapter 6

2-2

See “3 Evacuation” for how to evacuate.

Earthquakes•

		 When an earthquake occurs, it is vital to protect yourself first, and then stay safe by cooperating with your community.

•

		 Here are actions to take regarding earthquakes that you must
always keep in mind:

Chapter 9

Prepare for yourself

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 magnitude

value 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, 5lower , 5upper , 6lower , 6upper , and 7).
•

		Chapter 11iii.		 Prepare a first aid kit and enough food and water for at least three days (for sevendays if possible).

Chapter 10

Create a family plan about where to evacuate when a large earthquake occurs.

ii.		 Take part in an emergency drill of your region, check and understand evacuationplans.

•

Chapter 8

		 Japan lies along what is called the Ring of Fire, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, and several
tectonic plates mash and collide. This feature makes Japan one of the most earthquake-prone
regions in the world.

Chapter 7•i.		

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 information for disaster prevention
issued by the JMA or other agencies, you can start to evacuate by judging for yourself.

Chapter 3

It is important to check regularly which areas are likely to suffer a Sediment disaster, anevacuation shelter, and a safe route from your house, etc. to the evacuation shelter, with a hazard
map or by other methods.

Chapter 2

Prepare for yourself

Chapter 1

Sediment disasters are mass movements of rock, stones, debris, and soil down a slope of landcaused by heavy rain. They are an environmental hazard which can erode mountains and coastal
cliffs, destroy buildings and block roads. Here is how to protect yourself from this disaster:

You can find this information on TV, radio, and online.

109

10

Emergencies and Disasters

When an earthquake occursi.		

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 signboards, walls or window glassfrom buildings nearby and evacuate 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 for evacuation.
ii.		

Check All Fire Sources		

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 and Mutual Aid with Your Neighbors

		When a disaster occurs, it is important to cooperate with your neighbors.
		

v.		

Help especially the elderly who live alone and people with disabilities.

Acquire Accurate Information

		After an earthquake, false or misleading information tends to spread.
		•

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!
110

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11

Earthquake Early Warning

Chapter 10

Keep yourself updated with the latest official information via TV, radio, mobile phone
networks and/or disaster information wireless broadcast system and stay calm.

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8		 In mountainous areas, there is a risk of Sediment disaster. When the shaking
stops, promptly go to the evacuation shelter designated by your local government.

Chapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

		Fires following earthquakes can worsen the damage.

•

Chapter 4•

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1

When an earthquake occurs, keep calm. What to do depends on where you are. Please keep
in mind the following:10

Emergencies and Disasters

2-3

Tsunami		 It is not always true that “the water level drops before atsunami hits.”

Prepare for yourself

When a Tsunami is likely to occur (occurred)

		 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
area or the river mouth and go to high ground or a tall building.

•		 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 are expected to hit repeatedly. Keep away from at-risk zones and areas until
a warning or alert is lifted.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

		 If you feel massive shaking in a coastal area or at a river mouth, or even weak but long
shaking, immediately leave the area and go to high ground or a tall building.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5

It is too late if you start to evacuate when you see tsunami waves coming to the shoreline.
Keep in mind the following when you evacuate:

Chapter 4

It is important to find where evacuation shelters are on a hazard map and check the safe
evacuation routes from your home to the nearest shelter.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

		 When a large earthquake occurs on the seabed, the ocean
floor can rise and fall. These movements displace the water
above it and launch the rolling waves in every direction. Thesewaves become destructive tsunami waves.

Chapter 1•

Tsunami Flags
		Starting from June 2020, red-and-white checkered flags called“Tsunami Flags” are used on the beach, etc. to alert people visually to the

Chapter 9•

fact that major tsunami warning, tsunami warning, or tsunami advisory•		The use of “Tsunami Flags” enables us to inform people with hearing

difficulties, people who are swimming and hard to hear due to the sound of waves or wind, and foreign

Please visit the following website for information on “Tsunami Flags” (English):

Chapter 11

nationals of issuance of tsunami warning, etc.

Chapter 10

has been issued.

https://www.data.jma.go.jp/eqev/data/en/tsunami/tsunami_flag.html
Chapter 12

111

10

Emergencies and Disasters•		

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, you need totake the following actions:

Chapter 2

Volcanic Eruption
Chapter 1

2-4

Prepare for yourself
		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 and a hazard map, etc.

ii.		

Submit a Mountain Climbing Notification; andiii.		

Prepare communication equipment and a helmet.

Chapter 5

Volcanic Alert Level		

It is the information provided to make “areas that require warning” and “actions that should betaken” are instantly found out according to the situation of a volcanic activity.
		This is operated for 49 volcanos among active volcanos existing in Japan (as of March 2022).

•		

There are five volcanic alert levels as follows:
Level 5............... Evacuation (evacuation from residential areas at risk is necessary))
Level 4............... Evacuation of the elderly, etc. (evacuation of the elderly and otherresidents in residential areas at risk is necessary)
Level 3............... Restriction on proximity to the volcano (preparation for the evacuation

Chapter 8

persons requiring special care, and preparation for evacuation ofChapter 7•

Chapter 6•

Chapter 4i.		

Chapter 3•of the elderly and other persons requiring special care, depending onof climbing and restrictions on mountain entry)
Level 2............... Restriction on proximity to the crater (restrictions on entry to areas nearLevel 1............... Potential for increased activity (no restrictions)

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

and around the crater)

Chapter 9

the situation. Restrictions on entry to areas at risk, such as prohibition

Chapter 12

112

10

Emergencies and Disasters

When a volcano is likely to erupt or has erupted•

		 If the local government issues an evacuation instruction, evacuate and proceed to a safe
place.

•

		 When you receive the above-mentioned information or an eruption occurs while you areclimbing a mountain, you should take the following actions;
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

		 Evacuate on your own (if necessary) based on the eruption notice, volcanic warning andvolcanic alert level the JMA has issued.

Chapter 1•

Chapter 4

Evacuation shelters

When a disaster is likely to occur or has occurred•		

Check in advance where the evacuation shelters in your area are.

•		

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 otherreasons, evacuate to another safe place (to a large substantial (sturdy) building nearby. In

Chapter 10

the case where it is also difficult to do so, you should evacuate to the very safest place of thesecond floor or higher floor of a house). At the very least, take actions to protect your life

Chapter 9

		 Evacuate from the dangerous place based on the evacuation advisory, etc. and proceed toa safe place as soon as possible.

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

An evacuation shelter is a temporary evacuation area or facility that can save your life during
disasters.

Chapter 6

3-1

Evacuation

Chapter 5

3Chapter 11
Chapter 12

113

10

Emergencies and Disasters

3-2

Evacuation information provided•

		What kind of advisory?

•		When the information is announced

Chapter 3This 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.

Chapter 2

Alert level 3 Evacuation of the elderly

Chapter 1

Evacuation information is a guidance issued by your local government when a disaster is likely
to occur or has occurred. Here are some examples:

The people listed below should start evacuating from a place in danger:ii.		

People with disabilities;iii.		

Children;iv.		 Others who are difficult to evacuate by themselves and who take time to evacuate(including pregnant mothers);
Assistants to those corresponding to i–iv mentioned above; andvi.		

Person who feel in danger.

Alert Level 4 Evacuation instruction		What kind of instruction?
This advisory will be issued when the risk of damage caused by a disaster has elevated.

•		When an advisory is issued

An evacuation shelterii.		

Safe houses of relatives or friends, inns, etc.

i.		 Not in the zone where there is a risk of house collapse or destruction due to a flood(possible flood area causing house collapse, etc.)
Living in a high building without danger of flooding

iii.		

Endurable until the flood subsides with a stock of enough water and food

114

Chapter 12ii.		

Chapter 11

Further, when you check a hazard map, etc. and can determine by yourself that the following
three conditions are met, it may be possible to stay indoors and ensure safety:

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9

All people should evacuate from a place of danger safely and proceed to either of thefollowing:

Chapter 8•

Chapter 7

This is also the right time for other people to postpone their regular activities and prepare for
evacuation, as necessary.

Chapter 6v.		

Chapter 5

The elderly;

Chapter 4

i.		

10

Emergencies and Disasters

Alert level 5 Emergency safety measures		What kind of measures?

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:
Evacuation to a higher floor of a substantial building nearby

Evacuation instructions categorized by Alert Level•

		This information provides guidance on the appropriate response when a floods or Sediment

Chapter 5—What is an Alert Level?—

Chapter 4ii.		 Evacuation to at the very safer place of the second or higher
floor of a house, and other actions

Chapter 3i.		

Chapter 2•

Chapter 1•

disasters are likely to occur.
		

From 2019 on, alert levels are released together with evacuation instructions and weather

information for disaster prevention.
•

		

There are five scales:
TV or online.)
Level 2	�����������Verify evacuation routes. (Search on whether or not the place where you are is inplace of danger. (People who would take time including the elderly and children etc.

Chapter 8

danger and how and where you should evacuate if it is in danger.)
Level 3	�����������The elderly and other persons requiring assistance should start evacuating from a

Chapter 7

Level 1	�����������Enhance readiness for the disaster. (Gather information on rainfall and river status on

Chapter 6•

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 11

3-3

Chapter 10

imminent. Protect your own life!)

Chapter 9

Level 4	�����������Full evacuation from a place of danger. (Everyone evacuates from a place of danger

How to evacuate•		Extinguish all fire before evacuation; and•		 Take the minimum of personal items and carry themin a backpack, so that you can use both hands freely.

115

Chapter 12

When you actually do evacuate, keep in mind the following: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:

116

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.
Such information is available via TV and radio, or on the 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

Sediment disaster (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

117

Chapter 12

Volcanic information

10

Emergencies and Disasters•		The JMA may issue an Emergency Warning for Heavy Rain Emergency Warning.

•		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 Sediment disaster in the Kikikuru

Chapter 3

Real-time Risk Map

Chapter 2

decades is predicted, and fatal damage may have been caused.

Chapter 1

Emergency Warning for Heavy Rain Emergency Warning(Real-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 application for foreign tourists in Japan that provides up-to-date disaster information.

•

		

By downloading this application on the phone, you are notified in advance with the following alertsof disasters near you.
Earthquake Early Warning (prediction of strong shaking)ii.		

Tsunami Warning (advisory to shelter at higher ground as a tsunami is coming)iii		

Emergency Warning of Weather, etc. (the largest degree of advisory that intense rainfall or storm

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6•

Chapter 5“Safety Tips,” an application for up-to-date disaster information

Chapter 4•

in decades is likely to occur)
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
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 8iv.		

Chapter 12118

Chapter 11

Housing
Chapter 1

Public housing

UR Rental Housing

Private Rental Housing

Chapter 11

This is the most popular way to rent a place to live in. Anybody can rent a unit by paying rentin accordance with the rental lease agreement. The agreement will vary depending on the housing
to rent, so read it carefully before signing a contract.

Chapter 10

1-4

Chapter 9

UR Rental Housing is managed by Urban Renaissance Agency (UR). There is a minimum
monthly income requirement set by UR; you for non-Japanese can rent a unit if you meet thestatus of residence requirement (see 2-2).

Chapter 8

1-3

Chapter 7

Public housing is provided by local public entities at affordable rents for low-income persons
who need somewhere to live. Requirements such as minimum income vary depending on theprefecture and municipality.

Chapter 6

1-2

Chapter 5

Housing which you own is generally called Privately Owned Housing, or mochi-ie in Japanese.
Such properties can be detached houses or a condominium. If you want to have your own house
built or to purchase one, you will need to go through many procedures.

Chapter 4

Privately Owned Housing

Chapter 3

1-1

Japanese Housing

Chapter 2

1

Chapter 12

119

11

Housing2-1

Public housing•

		 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
the resident history in Japan.

•

		

•

		 For more details about qualifications and application, please ask the prefecture ormunicipality who administrate the housing you wish to move in.

If you wish to live in public housing, apply to the prefecture or municipality in charge.

Chapter 5

2-2

UR Rental Housing•

		 In the case of non-Japanese nationals, they will need to have one of the following statusesof residence to be qualified to rent a unit: Diplomat, Official, Special Permanent Resident or
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 nonJapanese residents who are looking for private rental housing.

•		The “Apartment Search Guidebook” includes basic knowledge and useful information:

Required documents and budget

iii.		

Moving-in proceduresiv.		

Rules when living in Japanese housingv.		

Moving-out proceduresvi.		

Useful terms regarding renting a room, etc.

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

120

Chapter 12		 The “Guide to Looking for a Home” provides basic information which is useful whensearching rental housing in Japan and websites of real estate agencies offering services inforeign languages.

Chapter 11

•

ii.		

Chapter 10i.		 How to search for housing and the process up to signing a contract - general leaseprocedures lease agreements in Japan differ from thosein other countries

Chapter 9•

Chapter 8

Private Rental Housing

Chapter 7

		 You have to fulfill the requirements set forth by UR such as a minimum monthly income
standard.

Chapter 6•

2-3

Chapter 4

		 Public housing is provided by local public entities at affordable rents for low-income persons.
Requirements such as minimum income vary from prefectures and municipalities.

Chapter 3•

Chapter 2

Moving-in

Chapter 12

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

121

11

Housing“Guide to Looking for a Home”

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 12122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

containers, cartons, etc.
Furniture (tables and chairs, etc.,) bicycles, bed
mattresses, etc.

Air conditioners, TVs, refrigerators, freezers, washingmachines and clothes dryers, etc.

123

Chapter 12

A fee may be charged for disposal
and recycling

Bottles, cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, books, plastic

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. Please put away used cooking oil inaccordance with the rules of the municipalities you reside, after putting some paper towel in the pan to

Chapter 2

absorb the oil or curding such oil by using a coagulant etc.

Chapter 1

Used cooking oil

Chapter 3

Home Appliance waste
When you replace or dispose of the home appliances listed below, you need to•		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 forthe local government of your municipality.
Payment and collection

When replacing with new appliance•		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 purchaseii.		

Not replacing but disposal only•		The shop where you have purchased the appliance you wish to dispose ofChapter 8

a new appliance.

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6collection and transportation. If you have no idea which business operator you should ask, please contact

Chapter 5•

Chapter 4

pay a recycling fee and a collection and transportation fee:If you do not remember where you have bought an appliance, ask your local government for
Chapter 9

help.

Chapter 10(2) Illegal dumping
It is against the law to do so, and you may be punished.
Observe the garbage-sorting rules of the municipality in which you reside.
cigarette butts. Doing this can be subject to administrative or criminal penalty, so never do it.

124

Chapter 12

Many municipalities have regulations that do not allow the littering of streets with cans andChapter 11

Do not recklessly dump waste at any non-designated site.

12

Daily rules and customs

1-2

Making Noise		

Be careful that loud voices, parties, TV and music might bother your neighbors.

•

		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.
		 In 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: if the paper inthe restroom is properly used, the pipe is rarely clogged with paper.

		

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 other•		On a bus or train
In public spaces like trains and buses, please keep in mind the following:		Speaking in a loud voice is considered to be manner violation in Japan.

•		

As 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 a bus or train is crowded, take care so your backpack does not bother other people.

125

Chapter 12•

Chapter 11•

Chapter 10

1-5

It is prohibited by law to use a mobile phone while driving or riding a bicycle.

Chapter 9

passengers.

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

126

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

127

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 in your elbow or inside your sleeves of 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. should refrain from going out. In particular, please
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.

128

Chapter 12

avoid going 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.

129

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 to start using the electricity service.

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, the followings 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

130

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, the followings are the necessary steps to follow:
Determine the date you want to start using gas service.

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 8•

Chapter 7

is suitable for you.

Chapter 6

Gas bills and payment methods

contract.

•		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 situatedin a location to which they do not have access, the gas user or someone else acting on their behalf

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

131

Chapter 12need to be present.

Chapter 11*		 It is advisable to tell them your customer number, which is printed on your monthly meter-reading slip.

Chapter 10i.		

Chapter 9

Cancellation

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.

132

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 type 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 with communicating in Japanese, ask someone who can continuously

support you (in your workplace or at 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.

133

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, transfer and receive a bank account (e.g. a cash card, a book, login ID and password etc. ) If
one million yen.

*Illegal (unlicensed) Banks
You must not request remittance to foreign countries by paying money to a “bank” or a person

Chapter 3

Banks, need to be lisenced by the Jananese Government.

Chapter 2

you commit this crime, you may be sentenced to imprisonment for a period of up to one year or less, or fined up to

not licensed or regisered by the related authorities.
and consult with someone in your workplace or at school.

Chapter 5

3-6

Chapter 4

If you are unsure about if a bank or a service provider is legitimate, do not use the provider

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:
Sending letters, post cards and parcels in Japan or to overseas;ii.		

Saving and remitting money, and paying public utility charges; andiii.		

Life insurance sales.

Chapter 7i.		

Chapter 6•

Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12

134

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

135

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

The followings 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.

ticket136

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 need 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 twice: when getting on and getting off.

Chapter 6•

Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12137