English

Inagi City

Guide for Everyday Living—Foreign
Language Edition

PrefaceThis guidebook was created so that all foreign residents who have moved to Inagi City
can live comfortably and with peace of mind. It describes rules and customs of common
behavior in Japan, as well as administrative procedures conducted at the City Office.
It may take some time, but we want you to enjoy your new life while learning the rules
and customs of Japan!

Table of Contents
Rules for Everyday Living

Childbirth, Childrearing and Education

Rules for Community Living (garbage)………………………… 2

Pregnancy and Childbirth……………………………………… 9

Rules for Community Living (cigarettes)……………………… 3

Childrearing…………………………………………………… 10

Community Rules (sounds of everyday living, parks, etc.)…… 4

Nursery School, Kindergarten, Elementary

Traffic Rules (on the street, bicycles, trains, buses or cars)……… 5

and Junior High School………………………………………… 11

Procedures at the City Office

Emergencies and Medical Treatment

Resident Registration, Family Registration Notification,

Emergency Telephone Calls …………………………………… 12

Individual Number (“My Number”)…………………………… 6

Medical Information …………………………………………… 13

Resident’s Tax, National Health Insurance, Medical Care System

Disastersfor Older Senior Citizens and National Pension……………… 7

Preparing for Earthquakes and Floods………………………… 14

Everyday Living

Various Types of Consultation Services……………… 15

Electricity, Gas and Water……………………………………… 8
Note: The websites listed on each page are in Japanese. You can select a language from the top page of the Inagi City website.

Rules for Everyday Living

Rules for Community Living (garbage)
Littering: Garbage and Cigarettes

Throwing away garbage in locations that are not for throwing garbage away, such as in the street, is consid-

ered littering. Littering also refers to tossing empty cans and used cigarettes in the same manner. Throwing
away cigarette butts in the street or in the gutter along the road is prohibited.

How to Dispose of Household Garbage

There are rules on how to sort and dispose of garbage. First of all, sort your garbage and recyclable resourc-

es according to the rules.
● Examples of combustible garbage
Kitchen scraps, tissue paper, soft plastic items (such as convenience store box lunches and mayonnaise containers), video tapes, etc.
● Examples of noncombustible garbage
Hard plastic items, glass items, shoes, CDs, umbrellas, etc.
● Examples of recyclable resources
Bottles, cans, PET bottles, cardboards, etc.

Combustible Garbage Bags

Noncombustible Garbage Bags

Note: These are available at supermarkets and convenience stores in the city.

When disposing of garbage and recyclable resources, please check the rules for the community where you live (such as where to dispose of your garbage and recyclable resources,on what day of the week, and at what time), and follow those rules.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kankyo/gomi/index.html
Garbage and Recycling Calendar
The garbage collection days depend on the area where you live.
Please check the garbage and recycling calendar.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kankyo/gomi/gomi_calendar/index.html

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Rules for Everyday Living

Rules for Community Living (cigarettes)
Rules on Cigarettes

In Japan, smoking cigarettes is against the law for people under twenty yearsof age.
Inagi City has a city ordinance that prohibits smoking on all streets, etc. in
the city. The areas around six train stations in the city used by many people aredesignated as “no smoking on the street” zones, so smoking is strictly prohibited there. Violations of this ordinance are punishable with a ¥2,000 fine.
About the Inagi City ordinance on smoking restrictions on the street, etc.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kankyo/kankyou/rojoukituennjourei.html
No-Smoking on the Street Zones

Near Yanokuchi Station

Tsurukawa
鶴川街道
Kaido
StreetKawasakiKaido Street

Near Minami-Tama Station

Near Wakabadai Station

Fuchu Kaido
Street0

Minami-Tama
StationYanokuchi
StationiPlazaKawasakiKaido Street

三谷児童公園Wakabadai
Station0

Inagi City
Hospital

200m

1 : 8,500

Near Inagi Station
園通りHealthcare Center

0

200m

Near Inagi-Naganuma Station
Dai-nana
Elementary School

Chuo Bunka
Center

Kyu-Kawasaki
Kaido Street

Dai-yon Bunka
Center-dori Street

Dai-ni Bunka
Center通り

Keio Yomiuri Land Station

Inagi-Naganuma
StationInagi Station
読売ランド駅前

Dai-san Elementary
School200m

1 : 8,500

Dai-yon Bunka
Center

Aoi-dori
Street線

0Tsurukawa
Kaido Street

1 : 8,500

Near Keio Yomiuri Land Station
Tsurukawa
Kaido Street

Inagi City
OfficeTsurukawa
Kaido Street

200m

1 : 8,500

Yomiuri Land-doriStreet0200m

1 : 8,500

0200m

1 : 8,500

About rules on smoking
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kenko/iryou_kenkou/oshirase/kituenn_rule.html
There is also a multilingual pamphlet on smoking rules. Please read the pamphlet throughthe following link (in English, Chinese simplified characters, Chinese traditional characters,
and Korean).
https://www.fukushihoken.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/kensui/kitsuen/leaflet/leafletall.html

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KawasakiKaido Street
Shiyakushodori Street

Rules for Everyday Living

Community Rules (sounds of everyday living, parks, etc.)
Sounds of Everyday Living

Since the walls of housing in Japan are typically thin, sounds can easily be heard, causing problems between

neighbors. Since houses made of wood reflect sound more and can be particularly noisy, please be careful.
• Please be careful about general noise (such as the TV or stereo, walking along the corridor or on the stairs,
and opening and closing doors) during the early morning hours and late at night.
• Since the sound of children jumping reverberates to the floors below,
please keep them from doing so.
• Please also be careful not to shout excitedly when you are welcoming a
lot of guests.

Rules at the Park

Parks are places for everyone to enjoy and relax. So that everyone

can use the parks comfortably, please observe the following rules, andmaintain a spirit of yielding to one another and being considerate of one
another.
• Do not ride in parks with your bicycle or motorcycle.
• Keep your dog on a leash. Be sure to take home your dog’s poop.
• Please do not practice baseball, soccer, or golf, as these are dangerous.
• Please take home your own garbage.
• Please do not go in the flower beds.
• Protect the grass, trees and living creatures by letting them grow and live.
Rules at the Parkhttps://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kankyo/midori/kouen/riyou.html

Common Courtesy in Public Places• Do not gather on the street or sidewalk and stand or sit there for a long time.

4Rules for Everyday Living

Traffic Rules (on the street, bicycles, trains, buses or cars)
Rules for Riding Trains and Buses• Having loud conversations on the train or bus is a nuisance for other passengers.
• On trains and buses, passengers getting off have priority. Wait for other passengers to exit before boarding.
Please wait in a line.
• Trains and buses have priority seats. These seats are reserved for the elderly, expectant mothers and thephysically disabled.
• It is considered rude to talk on your mobile phone while on a train or bus. Please make your call after you get
off the train or bus. Except for long-distance trains, such as bullet trains or express trains, it is better to refrain from eating while riding on the train or bus.

Driving Rules for Bicycles and Cars
● Bicycles• Use your headlight at night.
• Since illegally parked bicycles create an obstruction, always park your bicycle in adesignated location. To prevent bicycle theft, always lock your bicycle.
• There are no-parking zones in the city. If you leave your bicycle or motorcycle in theseareas, you will be warned, and your vehicle will be removed.
• Looking at your mobile phone while riding a bicycle or motorcycle is called nagara unten (driving while doing something else), and is illegal.
• Drive on the left side of the road.
• Pedestrians have the right of way on the sidewalk. Ride slowly on the part of the sidewalk closest to thestreet.
• Obey all traffic lights at intersections.
• In areas requiring a complete stop, please be sure to stop and check that the way is safe before moving forward.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.
• You are required to buy bodily injury liability insurance before riding a bicycle in the metropolitan Tokyo area.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/koutsuu/index.html
Illegally parked bicycle countermeasures (such as no-parking zones)
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/koutsuu/jitensha/index.html● CarsForeign driver’s licenses cannot be used in Japan due to the differences in traffic rules. For information on driver’s licenses, please read the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department website:
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/menkyo/index.html

5Procedures at the City Office

Resident Registration, Family Registration Notification, Individual Number (“My Number”)
Resident Registration

Except for individuals with a short-term visa, such as a tourist visa, everyone who has an address in Japan

must complete resident registration.
● Procedures to complete when you have just arrived in Japan
Once you are issued a residence card at the port of entry or departure, please bring your card, etc. to theCity Office and complete notification procedures within fourteen days of settling in your place of residence.
● Resident change of address notification
If there is a change in your address or household, please file a resident change of address notification at theCity Office within the designated notification period.
●Resident records
A resident record (juminhyo) is a document that records and certifies such information as aperson’s address, head of the household, and nationality.
About Inagi City resident registration:
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/faq/kurashi/todokede/juumintouroku/index.html

Family Registration Notification

If a baby is born in your family, a family member dies, or you marry or divorce, you must filea notification of your new circumstances with the City Office. Please call the Residents’ Section for more information.
● Birth notification
If a baby is born in your family in Japan, please file birth notification at the City Office within
fourteen days.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/tetsuzuki/koseki/index.html

The Individual Number (“My Number”) System

Everyone who lives in Japan is assigned a twelve-digit individual number (“My Number”). This number isused in the three areas of social security, taxes, and disaster countermeasures in Japan. Foreign residents areissued an individual number after they complete resident registration. You can apply for and obtain an individual number card with your individual number and other information.
Note: Once an individual number is issued, it cannot be changed. Even if you leave Japan andreturn, you will use the same number.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/mynumber/index.html

6Procedures at the City Office

Resident’s Tax, National Health Insurance, Medical Care System for Older
Senior Citizens and National Pension
Resident’s Tax

Foreign residents who live in Japan must pay taxes just as Japanese nationals do.
Resident’s tax is local tax paid to the metropolitan and city governments. These taxes are levied by the local
governments on those who live in the area as of January 1 of the current year.
● Payment method
Resident’s tax notifications/invoices are mailed from the City Office in early June. Taxes arepaid at your local bank, post office, convenience store, or via payment apps four times a year
using the invoices sent.
Website page about taxes:
http://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/zeikin/index.html

National Health Insurance and Medical Care System for Older Senior Citizens

Enrolling in health insurance reduces the amount you pay at the hospital for illnesses and injuries. You must
enroll in health insurance and pay the insurance premiums promptly.
Foreign residents must enroll in social insurance if they work at a company. All others must enroll in National
Health Insurance (NHI). If you are 75 years of age or older, you must enroll in Medical Care System for Older
Senior Citizens.
However, if you live in Japan with a residence status of “activity for receiving medical treatment,” you cannot
enroll in NHI or Medical Care System for Older Senior Citizens.
● Payment method
Information on how to pay insurance premiums (fees) is mailed from the City Office. You can pay your premiums at your local bank, post office, convenience store or via payment apps.
About National Health Insurance
http://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kenko/kokuho/index.html

National Pension

To support the livelihoods of the elderly, the disabled and bereaved family
members, the Japanese government operates a pension system.
Everyone between 20 and 59 years of age who has completed resident registration in Japan, including foreign residents, must enroll in the national pension
system unless they are enrolled in a welfare annuity. Pension premiums must be
paid at the designated amount until the member reaches sixty years of age.
● Enrollment procedures
Enrollment procedures are completed at the City Office.
● Payment method
Information on how to pay your pension premiums is mailed from the Pension Office. You canpay your premiums at your local bank, a post office or at a convenience store.
About the national pension system:
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kurashi/nenkin/index.html

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Everyday Living

Electricity, Gas and Water
Electricity, Gas and Water

For electricity and gas, you can choose your service plan from a varietyof companies.

● Electricity
To use electricity for the first time, you must contact an electric powercompany and finalize a contract. In Japan, the standard voltage for homes is 100 volts. Cycle frequency canbe either 50 Hz or 60 Hz, eastern Japan uses 50 Hz for and western Japan uses 60 Hz. Electric appliances arelabeled with the required cycle frequency, and if the label shows both frequencies (“50/60Hz”) that means it
can be used anywhere in Japan. However, if the appliance shows only one frequency, the region it can be used
is limited.
The most common electric power company: Tokyo Electric Power Company (English):https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/hd/index-e.html
Tel: 0120-995-661●Gas
There are two types of gas available—city (toshi) gas or LP (propane) gas—depending on where you live. For
safety purposes, please purchase appliances that use the type of gas available in your area. You can start using
gas services after the gas company conducts an inspection and opens the gas valve. When
you are not using gas, be sure to shut the valve.
The most common gas company: Tokyo Gas (English, Chinese and Korean):https://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/en/● Water
The tap water in Japan is drinkable. If the smell of the water bothers you, it is a good idea to boil it once before use.
Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo Metropolitan Government
https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.jp/eng/ (English, Chinese and Korean)
Tama Customer Service Center (for the twenty-six municipalities in the Tama District)If you move to a different address or need to change your contract:
Tel: 0570-091-100 (Navi-Dial) or 042-548-5100
About fees, leakage/repairs or other matters:
Tel: 0570-091-101 (Navi-Dial) or 042-548-5110

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Childbirth, Childrearing and Education

Pregnancy and Childbirth
Pregnancy and Childbirth

If you become pregnant, please ﬁle a pregnancy notiﬁcation with the City Oﬃce as soon as possible. Expect -ant mothers are provided with a Mother and Child Health Handbook (child health pack that contains slips for various health checkups.
●Mother and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Kenko Techo ) and a mother andBoshi Kenko Techo )This handbook is for keeping records during your pregnancy and for your childʼs health checkups. The hand -book is also required after childbirth for keeping record of the babyʼs health checkups and immunizations.
If you become pregnant:

https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/oyakohoukatsushien̲center/ninshin/ninsintodoke.html

You can also purchase a foreign-language edition of the Mother and Child Health Handbook.
https://hanbai.mcfh.or.jp/material/detail/27● Mother and Child Health Handbook app̶Nashi-no Ko Inagi (Pear Child Inagi)Oﬀers advice for mothers from pregnancy through childbirth and infants and toddlers, andinformation on city events.

https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/oyakohoukatsushien̲center/ninshin/boshihokennabi.html●Lump-sum childbirth/childrearing beneﬁt

Those enrolled in Inagi City National Health Insurance receive a lump-sum childbirth/chil -drearing beneﬁt upon childbirth.

https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kenko/kokuho/ichijikin.html

9Childbirth, Childrearing and Education

Childrearing
Childrearing● Health checkups and immunizations
Health checkups are conducted free of charge to ensure the healthy development of infants and toddlers.
Various childrearing consultation services are also available.
Immunizations are also conducted to prevent contagious diseases. When your child reaches the eligible age
for immunizations, an immunization pre-checkup slip will be mailed to you so that he/she can receive immunizations. Immunizations are administered at medical institutions.
For more information, please ask the Health Section.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kenko/iryou_kenkou/yobou/index.html● Families with Children Comprehensive Support Center (2F Healthcare Center, 112-1 Momura, Inagi City)
Consultation is available concerning pregnancy, childbirth, and child-raising of infants and toddlers.
Tel: 042-378-3434● Children and Family Support Centers
Comprehensive consultation and support are available for families with children from the infant/toddler
stage up to seventeen years of age.
For more information, please ask your local Children and Family Support Center.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/kodomoshien_center/kokasen/index.html• Children and Family Support Center (2115-2 Higashi-Naganuma 3F, Inagi City)
Tel: 042-378-6366• Children and Family Support Center, Koyodai Annex (within Koyodai Elementary School, 3-2 Koyodai, Inagi
City)
Tel: 042-370-0106

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Childbirth, Childrearing and Education

Nursery School, Kindergarten, Elementary and Junior High School
Nursery SchoolChildcare is provided at facilities for children from birth up to their entrance to elementary

school when their parents/guardians are unable to care for the children during the day due towork or other similar reasons.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/kosodate/hoikusho/index.html

Kindergarten

Preschool education is provided for children from three years of age up to their entrance toelementary school.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/kosodate/youchien/index.html

Elementary and Junior High School

Compulsory education in Japan includes six years of elementary school and three years of junior high schoolfor a total of nine years. While foreign residents are not obligated to go through compulsory education, you
may enroll your child in a Japanese elementary or junior high school if you wish. Tuition for
public schools is free.
About enrollment:
http://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kosodate/gakko_kyoiku/nyugaku_tenko/index.html

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Emergencies and Medical Treatment

Emergency Telephone Calls☎ 110 (police department)

To report a crime, such as theft or violence, or a traffic accident, dial 110 immediately.

☎ 119 (fire department)

If there is a fire, or for sudden illnesses or injuries, please dial 119 immediately.

Call
If you are the victim
of a traffic accident or
crime, or witness one

What to say

The police department

110

➡

➡

(1) What happened(fire, illness or injury)(2) Where you are(location, any landmarks)
The fire department

If you need medicalcare for a sudden
illness or injury

➡

119

➡
(3) Give your name andtelephone number

If there is a fire➡

➡

Both 119 and 110 are emergency telephone numbers. They are not for consultations or inquiries.
● To dial 110 or 119 from a public telephoneYour call will be connected without having to put in any money if you pick up the receiver and dial 110 or 119.
If there is an emergency call button on the phone, press it before dialing 110 or 119.
● To dial 110 or 119 from a mobile phone
Give your mobile phone number as well. Please do not turn off your phone for a while after making an emergency call.

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Emergencies and Medical Treatment

Medical Information
For Illnesses and Injuries

Information on medical treatment is available in foreign languages.
The center can inform you of hospitals that offer services in foreign languages.

● AMDA International Medical Information Center
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, etc.
Tel: 03-6233-9266Days and hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(closed on national holidays and from December 29 through January 3)
https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/activities●Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Institution Information Center “Himawari”
Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Spanish
Tel: 03-5285-8181
Days and hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
https://www.himawari.metro.tokyo.jp/qq13/qqport/tomintop/other/fks220.php● Clinics Open during Holidays in Inagi City
You can receive medical treatment at a hospital on Sundays, during holidays and also at night. Japan has
general hospitals, specialized hospitals and individual clinics. Where you should go depends on the type of illness or injury and its severity. It is a good idea to research your local institutions on a regular basis by gathering
information about what medical departments they have as well as their hours and holidays. When going fortreatment, always remember to bring your health insurance card.
Schedule for holiday and emergency clinics in Inagi City:
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/kenko/iryou_kenkou/kyuujitsu/kyujitukyubyou_sinryou.html

13Disasters

Preparing for Earthquakes and Floods
Japan is a country with frequent earthquakes. In recent years, there have also
been some floods caused by typhoons.
It is wise to check on a regular basis and prepare by confirming the location ofyour nearest evacuation site and discussing with your family how to contact one
another in case a natural disaster such as a major earthquake or flood strikes.
Be prepared for disasters by checking the Inagi Disaster Prevention Map in advance:
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/iza/bousai/bousaimp.html

Earthquakes● What to do when an earthquake strikes
If you are at home or in a building• Take cover under a desk or table, and protect your head with a pillow or cushion.
• Open the windows and doors.
• Dot not rush outdoors in a panic.
• If you are cooking or have the heater on, extinguish all sources of heat after the tremor subsides.
If you are outdoors• Windowpanes, billboards and concrete block walls are dangerous, so stay away from them.
• If you are in transit or shopping, follow the instructions of the staff of the public transportation facility, underground arcade or department store.
Earthquake and disaster hazard map
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp//bousaihazard_map/map.html#disa_preven

Floods● What to do if a flood may occur due to heavy rain
• Gather information on the weather and on alerts from the TV, radio, etc.
• Check the information on rainfall and water levels in your area. It is wise to evacuate before a dangerous situation arises.
Wind, floods and landslides hazard map
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/bousaihazard_map/map.html#flood● Designated emergency evacuation sites and designated evacuation centers
Elementary and junior high schools and parks in the city are designated as evacuation sites when evacuating
becomes necessary due to earthquakes, etc. It is a good idea to learn where your local designated emergency
evacuation sites and designated evacuation centers are so that you will not panic when an earthquake or flood
strikes.
https://www.city.inagi.tokyo.jp/iza/bousai/zishin/hinan.html

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Various Types of Consultation Services
List of Consultation Service Counters for Foreign Residents in Metropolitan Tokyo● Foreign Residents Support Center
The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) brings together eight helpful institutions. You can take advantage of consultation services for situations involving employment, visa procedures or any problem in everyday living that you might have, all in one location.
Address: Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku City
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and during the year-end/New Year’s
holidays.
Tel: 0570-011000 (Navi-Dial) http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/fresc/fresc01.html
Consultation Services

Topic

Immigration Services Agency
Information disclosure office
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/index.html
Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/soshiki/kikou/
tokyo.html

Resident consultation

Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, Human Rights
Department
http://houmukyoku.moj.go.jp/tokyo/table/
shikyokutou/all/jinken.html

Human rights counselingfor protection against
discrimination and bullying

Japan Legal Support Center (the JLSC, Houterasu)
Legal consultation
https://www.houterasu.or.jp/en/index.html

Tel03-5363-3005
03-5363-3025

Note: Reserved for making
consultation appointments.

0570-090-911
0570-011000(Japanese)
0570-078377(other languages)

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/

Consultation concerning
highly skilled foreign
professionals

03-3582-5203

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/toko/visa/
otoiawase.html

Visa consultation

0570-011000

Tokyo Labor Bureau Consultation and Support
Office for Foreign Residents
Labor problems
https://jsite.mhlw.go.jp/tokyo-roudoukyoku/ consultation
fresc.html

0570-011000

Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners
https://jsite.mhlw.go.jp/tokyo-foreigner/
english.html

03-5361-8722

Employment consultation

QR● Tokyo Metropolitan Government Foreign Residents’ Advisory Center
Consultation is available for questions and problems you may have in everyday life.
English: Monday through Friday
Chinese: Tuesdays and Fridays
Korean: Wednesdays
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.
Tel: English, 03-5320-7744; Chinese, 03-5320-7766; Korean, 03-5320-7700
https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tosei/iken-sodan/otoiawase/madoguchi/koe/tominnokoe/index.html● Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department General Advisory Center
The advisory center can introduce you to the appropriate service counter according to thesituation, such as if you are the victim of a crime.
Tel: #9110
https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.jp/multilingual/english/finding_services/help_desk/
hotline_info.html
Published: February 2021 Published by: Inagi City Address: 2111 Higashi-Naganuma, Inagi City 206-8601 Tel: 042-378-2111
Edited by: Inagi City Secretariat Public Relations Section Produced by: Merit 5 Co., Ltd.

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