FREE! ¥0［Aoba, Kohoku, Tsuzuki and Midori Wards］

OYACO
Reference Booklet

Living with Kids in Northern Yokohama"Childcare & Education / Health Services"
Second Edition

Non-Profit Organization

Introduction
This booklet, OYACO, takes its name from the Japanese word
oyako ( 親子 おやこ ), which means “parent and child” in Japanese.
The aim of the OYACO booklet is to provide a guide
about life in Japan for international families.
In this booklet, we have included personal stories of experienced mothers,
lists of medical and educational facilities, and some useful information.

About Sharing Caring Culture (SCC)
SCC is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 by women with diverse backgrounds
living in Japan. Through intercultural activities and childcare support, we aim to deepen
exchanges among the residents of all nationalities and celebrate diversity in thecommunity.

Who is OYACO for ?
There is a large population of families with small children in the Northern part of
Yokohama, and many international families move in and out frequently. We are awarethat living with kids in Japan is surprisingly challenging, especially taking into accountthe language barrier. Sometimes it can be hard for families who are new to the area tofind information. To fill the information gap, SCC supporters have compiled the firstedition of this booklet in English in 2018.
Three years have passed since we published the first edition. Many readers have given
us a lot of input and feedback regarding the original booklet. To remain relevant in thechanging world, we felt the need to create this second edition to keep the information
current.
With the cooperation and support from the Kanagawa International Foundation, Tsuzuki
Ward Office, Popola Childcare Support Center of Tsuzuki Ward, Nonprofit Organization
Kodomoto, Certified Nonprofit Organization Chikyu Gakko, and Yokohama City Hokubu
Chiiki Ryoiku Center, we have completed this second edition of the OYACO booklet.
We hope that this booklet will continue to help international families in Yokohama.

Keiko Misaka, Director of Sharing Caring Culture, and the OYACO Editorial Team1

［Aoba, Kohoku, Tsuzuki and Midori Wards］

OYACO

Reference Booklet
Living with Kids in Northern Yokohama

Table of Contents
Introduction

1

Table of Contents

2

Living in Yokohama
How to Get Information and Being Connected: Anastasia’s Story

3

Pediatric Healthcare Services: Katrina’s Story

4

List of Hospitals, Clinics and Dentists

5

Parenting Chart by Kanagawa International Foundation

7

Childcare Facility Classification in Yokohama

9Childcare Facility - How to Choose and Enroll

11

Education Prior to Elementary School
An Experience in Selecting a Kindergarten: Saira’s Story

12

Children with Special Needs
Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Elena’s Story

13

Interview on Special Needs Education

14

List of Childcare Facilities

15

Neighborhood Association Brochure by Tsuzuki Ward Office17

Disaster Preparedness Handbook for Families by Kodomoto

19

OYACO Tips: First Aid and Emergency Care for Children at Home

21

List of Community Resources

23

OYACO Recommendation: Useful Reference Links

25

Thank you for Supporting OYACO Booklet

26
2

Living in Yokohama
How to Get Information and Being Connected: Anastasia's Story

Pediatric Healthcare Services: Katrina’s Story

When I moved to Japan in the summer of
2019, one of my main priorities was to staysocially connected in my new country andfind new friends for me and my kids. Even
before I moved to Japan, I asked my friends
in my hometown if they knew someone living
in Japan.
And one of them actually did! I got the
telephone number of a German woman, who
had already been living in Japan for two years.
It was so nice to have someone around rightfrom the start, who was able to answer some of
my questions and help me with everyday issues
like visiting a supermarket or a doctor.
My children’s school (DSTY) was also a greatplace to find first connections. The schoolorganized some events for newcomers, which
helped me to meet other Germans living here.
My boys also found many new friends at school.
But I wished to make more contacts withlocal Japanese people. I read about ariceball (Onigiri) making event, organizedby an NPO Sharing Caring Culture, and I
decided to join in with my whole family. We
enjoyed our time there a lot. After that, wevisited many other events, where people
from all over the world and Japanese people

We moved from Malaysia to Japan a week
before the first covid-19 case was detected
in Japan. About 2 months after our arrival,
our 1-year-old son developed a high fever
and vomiting. We brought him to a generalclinic with a doctor who spoke English. He
diagnosed that the vomiting caused my son
to become dehydrated, which led to thefever. The doctor then prescribed probiotics,
explaining that once our son was hydrated
again he’d be fine. A few days later, on a
Saturday, the fever went up to 39°C, so we
decided to go to a hospital.
After finding an English-speaking hospitalwith a pediatrics department in our areaon the internet, we arrived only to find thatthe pediatrics department is closed on
weekends. A kind passerby offered to callan ambulance for us, and we managed tocommunicate with her using our minimal
Japanese. The ambulance arrived within 10
minutes and we were asked to fill out basic
paperwork and answer some questions.
The paramedics used a translating device
throughout the ride and we were brought
to Minato Red Cross Hospital at Naka
Ward. Within 10 minutes the doctor there
diagnosed my son’s condition as Kawasaki
Disease, an inflammation of the coronary
arteries. Further tests were done while wefilled up our admission papers. For our next
12 days of hospitalization, everything was
explained to me in Japanese, though thenurses would write some notes in English.
During discharge, we were informed aboutside effects, things to take note of, futureappointments, and so forth.
In that same year, our son was diagnosed

came together to cook, learn new thingsfrom other cultures, or just to have some fun.
Another good way to make Japanese friends
and to learn more about the Japanese
language and culture is to find a language
exchange partner. I found mine throughmutual friends, but there are also some
online platforms where you can search for alanguage exchange partner close to you.
Now, after nearly two-and-a-half years inJapan, I can say that we feel very happy here
and that we have found many great friends
and acquaintances.

My Tips!

*Be open-minded and curious! Moving
abroad is a unique chance to get toknow people from other cultures andlearn from them. Don't miss it!
*Be active! Search for playgroups, sports
courses, or leisure activities for foreigners.
Get engaged with some NPO or parent's
group at your children’s school.
Notes: The first few months in a newc o un t r y m a y f e e l v e r y l o n e l y a n dfrustrating. That ́ s normal and mostly
everyone has to go through it. But
remember that it ś just a phase and things
will get better even sooner than you think.

YOKE and International Lounge Contact Info
If you have difficulties with the Japanese language or have concerns about living in Japan, theinternational lounge of your ward will assist you. You can also contact the Yokohama Association
for International Communications and Exchange (YOKE ).
Websitehttps://www.yokeweb.com/

Aoba-ku

Aoba International
LoungeWebsitehttps://aobalounge.com/index.
php?lang=ja

3

Kohoku-ku

Kohoku International
LoungeTsuzuki-ku
Tsuzuki MY Plaza

WebsiteWebsitehttps://
kohokulounge.
com/

http://tsuzukimyplaza.net/
newhome/

Midori-ku

Midori International
LoungeWebsitehttps://midorilounge.com/

with congenital scoliosis, meaning that
his spine was curved in an S shape. Witha referral letter from Minato Red Cross
H o s p i t a l , w e w e re s e n t t o K a n a g a w aChildren Medical Center. This hospital has atranslator available but advance booking isneeded. The translator accompanied us fromregistration, through consultation, treatment,
and post-treatment follow-ups. They evenexplained how to maximize the insurance
and claims for my son’s scoliosis brace. We
continued to have check-ups at this hospital
every 6 months.

My Tips!
* Always bring the Maternal and Child
Health Handbook and My Medication
Record Book book.
* If your Japanese isn’t good, have an
audio translator device on hand like
Google Translate. It might not be
accurate but it could help. There is a
medical bilingual form available online,
print it out and keep it on hand, alongwith any other sentences you thinknecessary. And manage the expectationsof doctors and hospital staff in regards
to your Japanese-speaking ability.
*Be brave: to seek further information, tohave written notes that you could referto later, and to ask questions.

4

List of Hospitals, Clinics and Dentists

To access the Website: Click each hospital or clinic name and that will easily go to URL respectively.
Aoba

General Hospitals in Yokohama
Ward

Medical Subject

Name of Hospital

Phone

StationMemo

Medical Subject

MidoriAll

昭和大学横浜市北部病院
Showa University
Northern Yokohama Hospital

6 mins walk from
045Minami
949-7000 CenterstationInternal Medicine, Cardiovascular
田村内科クリニック
Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine(Respiratory Medicine),
Tamura Medical Clinic
Gastroenterology, Pediatrics, Allergy

Midori

Pediatrics

All

横浜市立大学附属病院
Yokohama City University Hospital

0451 min walk fromEnglish website
787-2800 Shidai-Igakubu station

Obstetrician

MinamiAll

横浜市立大学附属市民総合医療センター
0455 mins walk from
Yokohama City University
261-5656 Bandobashi station
Medical Center

MinamiAll

Bus from Gumyoji,
English, Chinese, Korean
神奈川県立こども医療センター
045Higashi Totsuka, Totsuka website
Kanagawa Children's Medical Center 711-2351 and Yokohama station
Refer to pamphlet on website

Nishi

All

けいゆう病院Keiyu Hospital

0453 mins walk from221-8181 Minatomirai station

English website

Naka

All

横浜中央病院
Yokohama Chuo Hospital

0453 mins walk from641-1921 Ishikawacho station

All

All

TsuzukiKanazawa

Naka
Izumi

All

Kanagawa

All

横浜労災病院
Yokohama Rosai Hospital

English, Chinese website

English, Chinese website
Medical interpreter service,prior reservation required.

Ward

Medical Subject

TsuzukiPhone

Midori
Station

Other Wards
Memo0451 min walk from989-6388 Tokaichiba station

English website

ちはら小児クリニック
Chihara Pediatrics Clinic

045Bus from Tokaichiba
923-1226 and Aobadai station

English speaking doctor.

みなみレディースクリニック
Minami Ladies Clinic

0457 mins walk from482-7373 Nagatsuta station

English website

English Speaking Dentists in Aoba, Kohoku, Tsuzuki, Midori
Ward

Medical Subject

Name of Hospital

Phone

Station

Memo

Aoba

0453 mins walk from905-2880 Tamaplaza station

English spoken mentioned
in the website.

English, Chinese, Korean website
Medical interpreter service forEnglish, Chinese and Korean,prior reservation required.

General Dentistry, Periodontal Theraphy,
Preventive Care, Dental Implants, Pediatric
Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry, Whitening, ロイヤル歯科医院
Dentures, Root Canal Treatment,
Periodontal Abscess, Hyperesthesia, Bad Royal Dental Clinic
Breath Treatment, Bruxism, Oral Surgery,Temporomandibular Disorder, Dental CT Scan

Aoba

Bus from Yokohama,
English website
045Isogo, Negishi, Medical interpreter service,628-6100 Sakuragicho,
Kannai and Kamiooka station prior reservation required.

Aobadai station
045Square South2
985-8107 Tokyu
7F

English speaking doctor.

横浜市立みなと赤十字病院
Yokohama City
Minato Red Cross Hospital

General Dentistry, Periodontics, Pediatric
Dentistry, Whitening, Cosmetic Dentistry, ほりぐち歯科医院
Orthodontics, Dentures, Dental Implants, Horiguchi Dental Clinic
Temporomand, Sports Mouthguard

Aoba

04510 mins walk from982-7977 Aobadai station

国際親善総合病院
International Goodwill Hospital

0457 mins walk from
813-0221 Yayoidai station

Pediatric Dentistry, General
みどり小児歯科Dentistry, Temporomandibular
Midori Pediatric Dentistry
Disorder, Tongue Pain

English website
Complete reservation
system.

Tsuzuki0452 mins walk from941-1818 Nakamachidai station

English website

横浜市立市民病院
Yokohama Municipal Citizen's
Hospital

English website
Bus from Yokohama
045Patientand Higashi Kanagawa International
Coordinator for English,
316-4580 station
Chinese and Malay.

General Dentistry, Prosthetic あおぞら歯科クリニック
Dentistry, Dental Implantology,
Aozora Dental Clinic
Pediatric Dentistry

Tsuzuki

General Dentistry, Esthetic
ふれあいの丘デンタルクリニック
Dentistry, Orthodontics, Dental
Implants, Pediatric Dentistry Fureainooka Dental Clinic

English website
1 min walk from
045'English speaking dentist'
949-6474 Tsuzuki-fureainooka station mentioned in the website.

Tsuzuki

General Dentistry, Pediatric
Dentistry, Orthodontics, Cosmetic マサキ歯科クリニック
Dentistry, Oral & Maxillofacial Masaki Dental Clinic
Surgery, Dental Implants

2 mins walk from
045943-3111 Tsuzuki-fureainooka
stationEnglish website
English speaking dentist.

TsuzukiDental Implants, Dentures,
Orthodontics, Cosmetics Dentistry, 吉江歯科
Whitening, Teeth Transplant,
Temporomandibular Treatment, Yoshie Dental Office
Parodontitis

0455 mins walk from591-8242 Kita-Yamata station

English and German
websiteTsuzuki

General Dentistry, Pediatric とわ歯科クリニック
Dentistry, Whitening, Dentures,
Towa Dental Clinic
House-call Dentist

1 min walk from
045English website
Center-Kita station
914-2512 Mosaic
Mall Kohoku 5F

English website
Email (inquiry@shinzen.jp)
to request foreign language
speaking staff.

English Speaking Doctors & Visiting Nurse Service in Aoba, Kohoku, Tsuzuki, Midori
Aoba

MidoriKohokuName of Hospital

10 mins walk from
045English, Chinese, Korean
474-8111 Shin-Yokohama station website

Kohoku5

WardName of Hospital

河合医院
Internal Medicine,
Gynecology, Dermatology Kawai Medical Clinic

Aoba

Pediatrics, Internal
横浜青葉台クリニック
Medicine, Opthamology,
Yokohama Aobadai Clinic
Radiology

Aoba

Pediatrics, Allergy

ごとう小児科アレルギー科
Goto Pediatrics Allergy

Aoba

Gastroenterology, Breast Ｋクリニック
Surgery, Internal Medicine K Clinic

Aoba

Visiting Nurse Service

KohokuInternal Medicine, Rheumatology,
日吉メディカルクリニック
Gastroenterology, Otorhinolaryngology
Hiyoshi Medical Clinic(ENT), Orthopedic Surgery

Phone

Station0455 mins walk from
988-0631 Aobadai station

English website

30 seconds walk from
045983-5110 Aobadai station

English website

0452 mins walk from903-4108 Azamino station

English website

訪問看護ステーション芍薬青葉
0453 mins walk from
Visiting Nurse Service Shakuyaku Aoba 550-3031 Fujigaoka station

おとめクリニック
Otome Clinic

TsuzukiObstetrics &Gynaecology

TsuzukiInternal Medicine, Pediatrics, 松浦内科
Gastroenterology, Cardiology,
Matsuura Medical Clinic
Respiratory medicine

Memo

Bus from Azamino and English website
045902-5001 Tamaplaza station

English speaking social
worker and consultant.

0451 min walk from564-1740 Hiyoshi station

English website

0452 mins walk from943-1103 Center Minami station

1 doctor, 3 nurses,
1 concierge (receptionist)
speaks English.

0450 min walk from593-1166 Kita-Yamata station

English website

Night-time Emergency Medical Centers
Ward

Medical Subject

Name of Hospital

Phone

Station

Memo

Naka

横浜市夜間急病センター
Internal Medicine,
Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, Yokohama-shi Night-time
Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) Emergency Medical Center

TsuzukiInternal Medicine,
Pediatrics

横浜市北部夜間急病センター
Yokohama-shi Hokubu Nighttime Emergency Medical Center

0458 mins walk from
911-0088 Center Kita station

Outpatient hour
20:00 - 24:00(reception begins at 19:30)

Izumi

Internal Medicine,
Pediatrics

横浜市南西部夜間急病センター
Yokohama-shi Nanseibu Nighttime Emergency Medical Center

0458 mins walk from806-0921 Izumi Chuo station

Outpatient hour
20:00 - 24:00(reception begins at 19:30)

Holiday Emergency Clinics

0453 mins walk from
212-3535 Sakuragicho station

Outpatient hour
20:00 - 24:00(reception begins at 19:30)

Tsuzuki

Pediatrics, Allergy

センター南こどもクリニック
Center Minami Children Clinic

TsuzukiDiabetic Internal
Medicine, Pain clinic

ピュアライフメディカルクリニック
Pure Life Medical Clinic

0452 mins walk fromEnglish and Chinese
949-0755 Center Minami station website

Aoba

Internal Medicine,
Pediatrics

TsuzukiObstetrics &Gynaecology

田中彰レディースクリニック
Tanaka Akira Ladies Clinic

0451 min walk from914-6560 Center Kita station

KohokuInternal Medicine,
Pediatrics

Outpatient hour
10:00 - 16:00

Tsuzuki

Pediatrics

こどもの木クリニック
Kodomonoki Clinic

English speaking doctor. Consultation in
16 mins walk from Eda
045Italian also available. Child counselling in
947-1888 station, Bus from Eda station English is available on Saturdays.

10 mins walk
港北区休日急患診療所
045from Kikuna andKohoku Ward Holiday Emergency Clinic 433-2311 Okurayama station

TsuzukiInternal Medicine,
Pediatrics

都筑区休日急患診療所
0458 mins walk from
Tsuzuki Ward Holiday Emergency Clinic 911-0088 Center Kita station

Outpatient hour
10:00 - 16:00

TsuzukiInternal Medicine,
Pediatrics

デンエンクリニック
Denen Clinic

1 min walk from
045English website
942-3939 Tsuzuki-fureainooka station Taiwanese doctor

MidoriInternal Medicine,
Pediatrics

緑区休日急患診療所
04510 mins walk from
Midori Ward Holiday Emergency Clinic 937-2300 Nakayama station

Outpatient hour
10:00 - 16:00

0452 mins walk fromEnglish speaking doctor.
948-2100 Center Minami station'English is available'
mentioned in the website.

Ward

Medical Subject

Name of Hospital

Phone

Station青葉区休日急患診療所
0458 mins walk from
Aoba Ward Holiday Emergency Clinic 973-2707 Ichigao station

Memo
Outpatient hour
09:00 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:00

6

制作・発行7

公益財団かながわ国際交流財団

8Childcare Facility Classification in Yokohama
In Japan, it is compulsory for parents to send their children to elementary school and juniorhigh school. Pre-school education is not compulsory and is decided by the parents. There
are many choices available for pre-school education.
Ages

Hoikuen Nursery, Daycare-6
0yearsHoikuen are based on the Child Welfare Act and provides childcare service to children of working parents.
There are two types of childcare facilities: public and private facilities. It is quite difficult to get admission in
public childcare facilities due to the growing number of working parents.
★Usage fee: Calculated based on the amount of municipal resident tax (Shiminzei 市民税 ).

Nintei Kodomoen Certified Combined Nursery and Kindergarten Facility
Integrates both daycare and education in one facility. The functions are different depending on the facility type.
Qualifications for Use. Working and non-working parents are eligible to apply.

Childcare Type

Ninka Hoikusho Licensed Nursery Facility▶ A government licensed child welfare facility certified to meet legal requirements such as facility size and the number of caregivers per child.

Takes care of children from 0 to 6 years old from 7:00 to as late as 20:30. (exact hours depend on the hoikuen)
The facility takes care of the children all day. The children have naps, meals, and snack time and are
given some basic education about daily life.
Qualifications for Use. Parents who are unable to take care of their children during the day due to illness.
. Parents who work more than 64 hours in a month.
. Parents who are searching for a job. (3 month grace period). Parents who are studying at a university or vocational training school with more than 64 hours a month of classes.

Ninka gai Hoiku Shisetsu Unlicensed Nursery Facility▶ The child welfare facilities which have not been licensed by the municipal government because they have not met the stipulated criteria interms of staff, equipment, etc.

Takes care of children aged 57 days to 5 years. Capacity: Depends on the facility. Usage fee: Eachfacility has its own fee structure. Apply directly at the facility.
Qualifications for Use. Parents who are unable to send their child to the Ninka Hoikusho (authorized daycare center).

Yokohama Nursery Rooms Unlicensed Childcare Facility
Facilities that meet the criteria set independently by the City of Yokohama in terms of childcare fees,
environment, hours, etc. Takes care of children age 57 days to 2 years old.* Weekdays: From 7:30 to
18:30, Saturday: 7:30 to 15:30. All facilities provide lunch. Apply directly at the facility.

* There are also some facilities which accept children aged 3 years and above, and provide services such as childcare forchildren with special needs, extended hours childcare, childcare on holidays, temporary childcare services, etc.

Qualifications for Use. Parents who are unable to take care of their children due to work or illness.
. Working parents: Working more than 64 hours in a month

Memo

9

- As subsidies for facility operating costs are available from the City, you have to undergo an assessment for
benefits at the Children and Families Support Division of the ward where you live before you apply.
- Fee depends on each facility, with an upper cap of 58,100 yen per month for children aged 2 years and under.

Shokibo Hoiku Shisetsu Small-scale Childcare Facilities
Takes care of children age 57 days to 2 years old. Facility with a capacity of 6 to 19 children, andprovides attentive childcare.
Qualifications for Use. Parents who are unable to take care of their children due to work or illness.
- Please refer to the Children and Families Support Division at the Ward Office where you live.

Memo - Refer to the Ward Office regarding the deadline for application.

- The monthly usage fee is calculated based on the amount of municipal resident tax.

Kateiteki Hoiku Jigyo Small-scale Childcare Services
Children age 57 days to 2 years old. Capacity: 3 - 5 children. Facilities provide childcare in a family-like environment.
Qualifications for Use. Parents who are unable to take care of their children due to work or illness.
- Please refer to the Children and Families Support Division at the Ward Office where you live.

Memo - Refer to the Ward Office regarding the deadline for application.

- The monthly usage fee is calculated based on the amount of municipal resident tax.

Ages

Yochien Kindergarten-6
4years

Yochien are based on the school education law and are considered to be educational facilities with theaim of encouraging the growth and development of small children in a suitable environment. However, theeducational approach varies considerably in kindergartens. There are two types of kindergarten:
public and private. *Note: All kindergartens in Yokohama city are run privately.
★Usage fee: 3-5 years old children attending kindergarten, daycare centers (nursery) and / orcenters for early childhood education and care are free of charge up to 25,700 yen monthly.

Subsidy info

Nintei Kodomoen Certified Combined Nursery and Kindergarten Facility

Kodomo-en Kindergarten Type provide children with childcare services and educational programs in akindergarten setting.
Qualifications for Use. Working and non-working parents are eligible to apply.

Kindergarten Type

Yochien Kindergarten
Takes care of children from age 3 to 6 years. (2-year-old children: There is also 'Pre-Hoiku (pre-childcare)' thatchildren go to once or twice a week from one year before entering kindergarten) Takes care of children from 9:00 to
14:00. (depending on the kindergarten) If you wish to request Azukari-Hoiku (extended hours childcare), there aresome kindergartens that provide childcare from 7:00 to 19:00.
Qualifications for Use. Working and non-working parents are eligible to apply.

10

Childcare Facility - How to Choose and Enroll
How to Choose a Good Childcare Facility
1 Gather information and consult the nursery section of the municipalities.
2 Visit the facilities before deciding.
3 It is not advisable to decide only based on the outward appearance or the low cost of

the facility.

4 When visiting, ask to enter the classroom to see the children.
5 See if the children's expressions are lively.

6 Observe the ratio of teachers to children, whether there are qualified nursery teachers,

and whether the teachers are treating the children with a smile.

7 See if there is enough space, whether play equipment is available, if the rooms are clean, if

there is enough sunlight and ventilation, and if there are emergency exits and fire escapes.

8 Ask about their childcare policy, school lunches, contact with families, and whether they

have an open-house day.

9 Even after your child is enrolled at the facility, make visits from time to time to monitor

your child and the childcare service.

10 If you have any complaints or questions, please consult directly with the facility.
Please note:
During the application process, you can indicate the daycare center that you prefer, but it is possible that you
won't get your first choice. Before applying, you can visit the daycare/nursery and observe the day-to-day
routine. This is an opportunity for you to see how the children and their teachers interact with each other.

Education Prior to Elementary School
An Experience in Selecting a Kindergarten: Saira’s Story
Being a foreign parent in Japan without any
Japanese-language ability is hard enough.
Finding a kindergarten that suits ourrequirements - language, food, accessibility,
fees, etc. is a real challenge. I will explainsome issues that international parents face
while selecting a suitable kindergarten for
their children.
There is a possibility that kindergartens
may not accept your application forvarious reasons. However, once you find akindergarten that accepts you, the process offilling the admission forms and documents,
including those relating to allergies andlunch menus, can be quite daunting if you
cannot read and write Japanese. The nextchallenging task is opening a bank accountto pay the fees and this is equally hard as

Points to Consider When Choosing a Kindergarten● Are school lunches provided by the kindergarten or do parents have to prepare a lunch

box for their children?

● Does the kindergarten provide a school bus system or is it pick-up/drop-off by parents?
● How big is the kindergarten's yard?
● Are there opportunities to engage with nature - are there nearby fields or meadows, for instance?
● Are there extra-curricular activities such as English lessons, swimming lessons, gymnastics

classes, etc.?

● Are there opportunities to interact with children of different ages ?
● In addition to the tuition fee, enrolment fees and uniform fees may be charged,

depending on the kindergarten.

Enrollment
Q When and Where to Apply?

A Application depends on the type of facility.

To apply for childcare facilities in Yokohama city (Ninka Hoikusho, Nintei Kodomoen, Katei HoikuJigyo,
Shokibo Hoiku Shisetsu on page 9 and 10), please refer to the Children and Families Support
Division at the Ward Office where you live.
City of Yokohama Website

11

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kurashi/kosodate-kyoiku/hoiku-yoji/shisetsu/hoikuriyou/
r4hoikuriyou.files/0136_20220120.pdf

all the instructions are in Japanese. We also
have to be prepared to accept kindergartensthat do not allow lunch boxes from thechildren’s homes for specific reasons.
It was at this challenging time that I joined
the OYACO series discussion run by Sharing
Caring Culture and Popola Childcare Center,
which proved very helpful for foreigners livingin the Aoba and Tsuzuki ward. This series of
discussions, SCC Facebook page and OYACO
booklet provided useful information on hospitals,
kindergartens, community centers, emergency
helplines, and disaster preparedness for those
who have newly arrived in Japan and do nothave any idea about such vital information.
The SCC team members who held an
OYACO session about living in Japan forinternational families are very supportive.

Tips from OYACO
There are many things you need to purchase and prepare before your child enters daycare/nursery (hoikuen) or kindergarten (yochien). The items and their sizes depend on the facility
and are usually available at stores and online. You might need to sew some items such asbags and towels if the facilities require a specific size. Here are some examples of things you
will need to prepare:
1 Tesagebukuro (big bag)2 Uwabaki (indoor shoes)

3 Uwabaki ire (bag for indoor shoes)
4 Obento / Koppu ire(lunch / cup bag)5 Omutsubukuro (diaper bag)
6 Kakebuton(blanket for naptime at daycare/nursery)

7 Pajamas(pajamas for naptime at daycare/nursery)

12Children with Special Needs
Parenting for Children with Special Needs: Elena’s Story
We did everything right. We planned, we
saved, we prepared. We were so sure about
everything. With a combination of biology andlove, we made the perfect baby. And yet, it
took us a year after our son’s birth to realizethat maybe our baby was a bit different. By theage of two all his baby milestones had beenreached— late, but we were fine with that.
I often get asked what I could have possibly
seen that was different with my son when he
was a year and a half or when he was three
years old. Could I have been wrong andjust been over-reacting? Could it be my shy
maternal instinct telling? I noticed a number ofmilestones reached way too late or in an odd
way. For example:
・He barely made any eye contact and would
not respond to his name.
・When he was two, he would say only about fourwords— a sentence was impossible for him.
・As a baby he almost never cried to express
pain or hunger.
・It would always take a lot of time for him
to fall asleep even after a very active day.
・He started walking late, and he barely
crawled.
These are just some characteristics that
individually would not be any cause of concern,
but all of them together made us worried.
It’s interesting how even with deep love,that situation made parents see things
differently. One of us had a hard time trying
to accept even the possibility of having aneuroatypical child, while the other acceptedand embraced the idea that “different isgood ''. We did agree that it was best to geta proper diagnosis of the condition and get
our son the help he needed to develop to13

his full potential.
First, we went to our pediatrician to get areferral. After several calls and months of
waiting due to pandemic restrictions and thelimited number of specialists, we were able tosee the doctor and watch him interact with ourson. We could all see it clearly then, right infront of our eyes, that our boy was different.
After a couple of tests at our nearest ryoiku
center, we got a diagnosis and the wheels
started to turn faster. Putting a name to myson’s neurological difference, having a word forhis condition, and, even more, a written nameon paper and in our hands, was also a stampin our hearts as parents. We got incredible
support from our fantastic social worker and abilingual friend who deeply cares for our boy.
Now my child attends regular kindergarten in
the morning and most afternoons he goes toan after school facility which he loves. After ayear and a half in this facility for children withspecial needs, he has made great strides
with his social and motor skills with the helpof his teachers who sincerely care about his
challenges and who inform us of his daily
victories.
Ryoiku Center is offering consultations on
infant/child/students growth and overall
education. The list of Ryoiku Centers is on
page 24.

Interview on Special Needs Education
From April to September 2021, NPO Sharing Caring Culture, together with Tsuzuki Ward Childcare
Support Center Popola, conducted a series of workshops on parenting in English and easy Japanese. In
one of the session, Ms. Yoko Sato, director of the NPO Children Support Network which operates Popola
Childcare Support Center of Tsuzuki Ward, shared her valuable thoughts about raising a child with special
needs. Ms. Sato herself is a mother who is raising a child with special needs.
In Yokohama City, when a child with special needs enrolls in a school, parents can consult the Yokohama
City Special Needs Education Center. Parents will have four options to choose from regarding where theywould like their child to learn. Those options are:

1 Regular School Classes at the local elementary school (Ippan Gakkyuu)*
2 Coaching Class for Children with Special Needs (Tsuu-kyuu Shidou Kyoushitsu)*
3 Classes for Children with Special Needs (Kobetsushien Gakkyuu)
4 Special Needs School (Tokubetsu Shien Gakkou)* It is possible to combine options 1 & 2.

Yokohama City Special Needs Education Center
Websitehttps://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kurashi/kosodate-kyoiku/kyoiku/sesaku/tokubetusien/soudan-madoguti.
files/0023_20211013.pdf

When selecting a school for your child, here are some points to consider:

What does your family cherish and value? Talk about this with your family.

Example: We want - our child to be known by the children of his/her age group- our child to be able to study well
- our child to go to a school near our house- to respect our child’s wishes (feelings)
What does your family value the most? Think about this with your family before deciding on the school.
Ms. Sato’s answer to this was: “What I value the most is for the people living in this town to recognize
and know my child’s name. That is why, I sent my child to the elementary school near where we live”.
But this will depend on the kind of things the child likes and dislikes. For example, there are children
who may enjoy being around many people and there are also children who would prefer being arounda small number of people. It is a good idea for parents to visit the school with their child.

What is Hokubu Chiiki Ryoiku Center?
▶ Ryoiku: education and support for children with disabilities and / or special needs

Q What services are offered by the Yokohama City Hokubu Chiiki Ryoiku Center?
A This center is for children between age 0 to elementary school year 6, living in Midori Ward and Tsuzuki
Ward. At this center, you can receive a consultation about your child’s development, consult a medical
specialist, and get assistance (training) for your child. Consultation is for both children with physicaldisabilities and children with special developmental needs. There is no fee for consultation, but there isa fee for medical examinations (except your child has a Syouni iryoushou).
Procedure: 1. Talk with a social worker (±1hour), they will listen to your concern.
2. Consult a doctor or a specialist (first consultation ±1 hour, next 30 minutes)
Q I want to use the Ryoiku Center but I do not know Japanese. Is there an interpreter?
A For foreigners who do not understand Japanese, Hokubu Chiiki Ryoiku
Center will request interpreters from MIC Kanagawa Medical Interpreter
Volunteers and Yokohama City Interpreter Volunteers to come andassist in the sessions at the center.
*For other areas of Ryoiku Center, please refer the page 24.

Request an interpreter MIC
from Yokohama City
Kanagawa

14

List of Childcare Facilities
Aoba

Ninka Hoikusho (Authorized Daycare Center)
Ward
TsuzukiTsuzukiName of the facility

Angel Planet

エンジェルプラネット

Angel Planet Nakamachidai
エンジェルプラネット 仲町台園

Phone

Memo

045-913-8741

English Website available
English speaking staff available
English immersion
Students have experience learning both Japanese andforeign cultures through activities

Tsuzuki045-943-4175

English Website available
English speaking staff available
English immersion
Children have experience learning both Japanese andforeign cultures through activities

Yochien (Kindergarten)
Ward

TsuzukiTsuzukiName of the facility

GOLDEN STAR KINDERGARTEN
金の星幼稚園Yamata Kindergarten
やまた幼稚園

Phone

Memo

045-911-7000

English immersion class available
2yrs ~ 5yrs class is run by a Japanese and English
speaking teacher pair
Many international families send their kids to thiskindergarten and some Japanese moms are fluent inEnglish045-592-4850

English speaking staff available
Childcare is in Japanese but English program is offered
everyday

Aoba

Aoba

Aoba

Aoba

Aoba

Aoba

Aoba

KohokuKohoku15

Name of the facility

Phone

Memo

English Express International School
Utsukushigaoka

045-479-6545

English speaking staff available
English immersion
Childcare and activities are run by English native teachers

Hallelujah International Christian School
Preschool

045-902-7898

Organized by the church

イングリッシュ・エクスプレス
インターナショナルスクール 美しが丘校

ハレルヤ インターナショナル
クリスチャンスクール プリスクール

Tiny Happy Garden International School
タイニー ハッピーガーデン
インターナショナルスクール

NES International School Tamaplaza
ネスインターナショナルスクール

Little Treehouse International School
リトルツリーハウス
インターナショナルスクール

Kinder Kids International School
Tamaplaza School

キンダーキッズインターナショナルスクール
たまプラーザ校

CoCoKids International Academy

ココキッズ インターナショナル アカデミー

International Language House Preschool
インターナショナル ランゲージハウス

READY KIDS CHILDCARE & PRE SCHOOL
レディ キッズ チャイルドケア プリスクール

English website available
English speaking staff available

immersion
080-7183-2121 English
Montessori method, Reggio-Emilia program

English and Spanish programs are available in the after
school kindergarten class045-530-5935

Accepts if both parents are working
English website

080-7258-8683 English speaking staff available

Reggio Emilia approach and some Montessori ideas

045-909-4040

English speaking staff available.
International school for children living in Japan
Japanese class is available in the extra-curricular class045-291-4031

English website
English speaking staff available
English immersion
Childcare and activities are run by English native teachers

045-431-5346
045-642-6848

English speaking staff available
Bring your lunch (obento)
English speaking staff available
English immersion

MidoriMemoEnglish Express International School
Center Kita

045-914-8301

English speaking staff available
English immersion
Childcare and activities are run by English native teachers

TsuzukiMontessori Sumiregaoka
Kodomono Ie

045-591-4688

English website available
Provides complete Japanese immersion within aMontessori framework
All children are welcome, regardless of Japanese
language ability

TsuzukiKITTY INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AND
PRE SCHOOL

045-944-3907

English website available
English speaking staff available
English immersion

0120-570-700

English speaking staff available
English immersion

045-945-0130

English and multiple languages website available
English speaking staff available
English immersion

045-912-6655

English speaking staff available
English immersion

045-981-2249

English speaking staff available

TsuzukiTsuzukiTsuzukiName of the facility

TsuzukiPhone

MidoriNinkagai Hoiku Shisetsu ( Unlicensed Childcare Facility)
Ward

Ward

Kohokuイングリッシュ・エクスプレス
インターナショナルスクール センター北

モンテッソーリすみれが丘子供の家

キティインターナショナル スクール プリスクール

Kids Duo International

キッズデュオインターナショナル

Universal Kids Nakamachidai Ensha
ユニバーサルキッズ仲町台園舎

TWINKLE・KIDS

トゥインクル・キッズ

Nonprofit Pokke no Oheya
NPO法人ぽっけのおへや

This list was based on the information available on the internet as of March 2022.

Words List
Name in Romaji
boshitechojido-teaterinyushoku
junyu
bonyu
honyubinomutsugae
oshikkounchi
yobosesshu
kenshinyonakiakachan gaeri
netsu
keiren, furue
hakikeseki / zei zei suru
yakedogoin
atama wo butsuketa

Japanese

Englishぼしてちょうmaternal and child health handbook

児童手当

じどうてあてchild allowance

離乳食

りにゅうしょくbaby food

授乳

じゅにゅう

nursing, breast feeding

母子手帳

母乳

ぼにゅう

breast milk

哺乳瓶

ほにゅうびんfeeding bottle

おむつ替え

おむつがえ

changing diapers

おしっこ

おしっこ

pee

うんち

うんち

poo

予防接種

よぼうせっしゅvaccination

検診

けんしん

medical examination

夜泣き

よなき

cries at the night

赤ちゃん返りあかちゃんがえり

acting like a child

熱

ねつ

fever

痙攣、震え

けいれん、ふるえ

convulsions, shaking

吐き気

はきけ

nausea咳 / ぜいぜい する

せき / ぜいぜい する

cough / wheezing

火傷

やけど

burn

誤飲

ごいん

accidentally swallowing

頭をぶつけたあたま を ぶつけた

accidentally hitting head16

Tell Me

What does a Neighborhood Association do?

A

ct

iv

ity

03

There are some residents who may not know what activities are conducted by a neighborhood
association. We’d like to tell you about those activities here.

Neighborhood association holds seasonal
events such as summer festivals, dondoyaki,
and sports festivals. It also supports theelderly, parents, and children through
Keirokai (Seniors’ Club), Akachankai (Babies’Club) and Kodomokai (Children’s Club).
Various events help local residents communicate and connect with each other.

● Neighborhood association is operated voluntarily by membership fee collectedfrom participating residents.
● Membership fee varies depending on the region, but it is about a few hundred yen
per month.
● Neighborhood association is a voluntary organization. It is not compulsory to join.

A

ct

iv

ity

01

Making connections

Preparing for a disasterDondoyaki (annual burning of New Year’s decorations)(Eda Minami Union)

Neighborhood association operates thedisaster management base, and has asystem in place to prepare for emergency
situations like earthquakes, floods, and otherdisasters. It also conducts regular disaster
preparedness training, such as simulating
earthquakes and other disasters, as well as
keeping stocks of necessities such as
emergency food,blankets, and others.

A

ct

iv

ity

04

Keeping the town clean
Neighborhood association puts effort into
the town’s beautification activities. Neighbors work together to clean up the parks
and streets. Other activities also include
managing garbage collection points andmaking rules to keep them clean.

Training of Safety
Confirmation During
Disaster(Kachida Union)
Cleaning activities(Ikonobecho Kouchi
Neighborhood Association)

A

ct

i

ty
vi

02

Neighborhood watch andpreventing crime

Watching overchildren as they
return from school(Sumiregaoka
Neighborhood
Association)

Neighborhood association watches overchildren on their commute to and fromschool. They not only ensure the children
cross the roads safely, but also greet eachof them warmly with ‘Good Morning’ and‘Welcome Back’.
Neighborhood association conducts crime
prevention patrols in the evening and atnight. Members will patrol on foot and by
car to prevent burglary, purse snatching,and other crimes in the area.

Crime Prevention Patrol(Fureainooka Community Crime
Prevention * Chiiki Genki Zukuri Council)

A

ct

iv

Cleaning activities (Kawamuko Neighborhood Association)

ity

05

Delivering local information
Neighborhood association provides useful
information to the community via theinternet, circulars (回覧板 kairanban), andbulletin boards (掲示板 keijiban). There arealso neighborhood associations that
prepare bulletins and inform members
about their events and operation status.
Passing around the circulars also helps tobuild "face-to-face relationships" between
neighbors.

Newsletter (Tsuzukigaoka Jyuutaku
Neighborhood Association)

Circular*Types of activities differ between various Neighborhood Associations.
Steps are also taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during any activities.
Text and images are reproduced from the ‘Tusnagaru Tsuzuki’ brochure published by the Tsuzuki Ward Office.
Translation done by Sharing Caring Culture.

17

18

'Do I need to go to the evacuation shelter?'
Evacuation centers (local disaster prevention centers) are notfully equipped with sanitation, comfortable temperature, andthere is little privacy. It is not an ideal place to stay with children.

If your house is safe, it is best to stay home during the evacuation period.
Even if you stay at home after a disaster,
you will still receive information and supplies from the evacuation shelter.

Should I evacuate? Check the following when a disaster occurs:
Is there a danger of ﬁre?

Check the area around your house. If there are a lot of wooden buildings,
there is the danger of widespread fire.

Is there a danger in the building itself?

Are there any cracks in any pillars, beams, floors, or walls?
Are the adjacent buildings in danger of falling onto your house?

If your house is unsafe, go to an evacuation site
such as the local evacuation shelter.
Nearest local evacuation shelter

Evacuation sites in the event ofwind and ﬂood damage

The evacuation center for landslides and floods could be different from the ones for earthquakes!
Check the information of each ward.

Let's learn about local disaster prevention centers.
In Yokohama City, municipal elementary and junior high schools are the main local disaster prevention centers.
Local disaster prevention centers are set up when an earthquake of intensity 5 or higher is observed at any one
location in the city.

Amount offood supplies
Supplies are limited.

ToiletThere may be cases of long linesof people lining up, toilets
becoming clogged, or otherwise
rendered out-of-service.

Living space

The capacity of the facilities may be reduced due
to infection control measures. For instance, at thetime of this booklet’ s publication (beginning of2022), the capacity of most facilities is reduced due
to measures top r e v e n t
COVID-19
infections.

When a tremor of more than intensity 6 or higher occurs...

You will not be able to move during the quake!
＼ So prepare in advance! ／Safety measures in the house

When tremor occurs, it is impossible to protect and take cover immediately. Therefore,
as you will be in the house for quite some time, take safety measures in order ofpriority starting from the bedroom and children's room.
Order of priority

1

BedroomChildren’s room

2

Living room
Kitchen3

OthersWhat kind of disaster danger is there?

Is it possible to'shelter at home'?

Condominium apartments
and reinforced steel buildings
are strong!

Find out before a disaster strikes!
If you know the dangerous spots around your house and thenearby area beforehand, it is possible to prepare yourself inadvance by planning your movement during a disaster.

Check the Disaster Prevention Map and Hazard Map
The Disaster Prevention Map is available at the ward offices and at the Administrative
Service Corner located in places such as train stations. Additionally, it can also beviewed on the ward office homepage.

Check the dangerous areas with the map!
・Danger of tsunami
・Falling rocks, landslide
・Flooding of rivers
・Inland water flooding (overflow of sewage pipe and drainage)
Text and images are reproduced from the “Disaster Preparedness Handbook for Family”
by nonprofit organization Kodomoto. Translation done by Sharing Caring Culture.

19

20

OYACO Tips: First Aid and Emergency Care for Children at Home
When Your Child is Sick

First Aid Kit Contents

To know if it is an emergency, begin by observing your child’s condition and symptoms.

If your child has any of the following symptoms, bring him/her tothe emergency medical institution immediately for consultation.

At home● Cooling sheet● Ice pack
● Thermometer● looks pale and unwell, lips are bluish● looks tired and exhausted, in an unusual way from his/her normal self
● is very drowsy and keeps falling asleep● Oral rehydration solution● Syringe for medicine intake● Edible jelly for medicine intake● has abnormal speech or behavior● does not drink (hydrate) for more than half a day● does not urinate for more than half a day● Vaseline● Cotton buds
● Gauze● Band-Aid / sticking plasters

If you are unsure whether or not tobring your child to the hospital…

If you are unsure whether or not tocall the ambulance, dial…

#8000

Kodomo QQ
Kids Emergency
is a useful website

Scan the QR code on P.25

and you will be advised bya specialist (nurse or similar)● Medical Subsidy Certificate for Children( 小児医療証 Syouni iryoushou)● Maternal and Child Health Handbook( 母子健康手帳 Boshi kenkou techou)Calling an ambulance

119. If possible, request assistance from someone who can

How to call 119

https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/
lang/residents/en/emergencies/
20200221091958448.html

Use the Report Request Card (Tsuhouirai kaado)
When you are outside your house and are unable to correctly explain your whereabouts, use
this card to request someone nearby who can speak Japanese to call 119 on your behalf.
This card can be downloaded in advance from the Yokohama city
homepage and is available in eight languages including English,
Chinese and Spanish.

Using VoiceTra app
VoiceTra is a multilingual voice translation app that translates your speech
into different languages and can be used in various situations. It is free todownload and is available in 31 languages. (*Scan the QR Code on P.25)

21

When visiting a medical institution, please bring the following● Health Insurance card
( 健康保険証 Kenkou hokenshou)

When You Need an Ambulance

speak Japanese to call on your behalf.
. Give the operator your name, address, age, and phone
number.

● Plastic gloves *Useful when your child vomits● Antipyretic (fever) analgesic (painkiller)*For infants, request for suppository medicines ( 坐薬 zayaku) when you visit a medical institution. It canbe used easily when your child suddenly develops a fever at home.

● My Medication Record Book
( お薬手帳 Okusuri techou)

Useful Information and Reference
In case of an injury or illness during the holiday or at night

P.5-6 List of
Hospitals

Search for medical institutions on the website- JAPAN: the Official Guide

JAPAN: theOfficial Guide

Although designed for travelers, you can use this website to search for medical
institutions by selecting the area, language, and medical department. You
can also download the ‘Guide for using Medical Institutions’ (PDF, available in
English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Japanese) for more information.

Multilingual Medical Questionnaire

Useful when describing symptoms during medical consultation.

Scan the QR
code on P.25

22

List of Community Resources

Aoba

Kosodate Shien Center (Childcare Support Center)
Kosodate Shien Center (Childcare Support Center) is a child-friendly place for mothers,
fathers, guardians, babies, infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Toys, books, and playequipment are available at the play area. Childcare resources and consultation services areoffered as well. Please check out each website for further information.
Area

Name

Open Hours
Tue, Wed, Sat 10:00 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥300 / per family

AzaminoAoba

アートフォーラムあざみ野子どもの部屋
Artforum Azamino Kids' Room

Aobadai
Aoba

青葉区地域子育て支援拠点ラフール
Lafull Childcare Support Center of Aoba Ward

3 mins walk from
Aobadai station
Tokyu Denen Toshi LineTue to Sat 10:00 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥0Ichigao
Aoba

青葉区地域子育て支援拠点ラフール サテライト
Lafull Satellite Childcare Support Center of
Aoba Ward

7 mins walk from
Ichigao station
Tokyu Denen Toshi LineTue to Sat 10:00 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥0

Okurayama
Kohoku

港北区地域子育て支援拠点 どろっぷ
Drop Childcare Support Center of Kohoku Ward

10 mins walk from
Okurayama station
Tokyu Toyoko LineTue to Sat 9:30 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥0

Tsunashima
Kohoku

港北区地域子育て支援拠点 どろっぷ サテライト
Drop Satellite Childcare Support Center of
Kohoku Ward

10 mins walk fromTsunashima station
Tokyu Toyoko Line

Center Kita
Tsuzuki

都筑区子育て支援センターポポラ
Popola Childcare Support Center of Tsuzuki Ward

Kamoi
TsuzukiTokaichiba
Midori

MidoriOther Wards

Ryoiku Center (Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities)
Yokohama Municipal Special Needs Education Center
Ryoiku Center (Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities)
offers consultations on a child's growth (0yrs to 12 yrs) and education.
They support children with developmental disabilities by providing
therapeutic rehabilitation and improving their lives little by little.
Yokohama Municipal Special Needs Education Center provides
consultations to parents and guardians of chidren with special needs.
Therapists and education counsellors can do tests and advise you what
schools your child can attend.
StationMemo

AzaminoAoba

地域療育センターあおば
Chiiki Ryoiku Center Aoba

For children (0yrs-12yrs) mainly living in
Aoba Ward.

Tue to Sat 9:30 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥0

ShinYokohama
KohokuFree shuttle bus service available from
Shin-Yokohama station.

1 min walk fromCenter Kita station
Yokohama Municipal
Subway Blue Line or GreenLine

7 mins walk from横浜市総合リハビリテーションセンター
Shin-Yokohama station
Yokohama City Comprehensive
Yokohama Municipal Subway Blue
Rehabilitation CenterLine or JR Yokohama LineTue to Sat 10:00 to 17:00(Playarea is available until 16:00)*Facility charge ¥0Tsuzuki
横浜市北部地域療育センター
Fureai no Oka Yokohama City Hokubu Chiiki
Ryoiku Center
Tsuzuki

都筑区子育て支援センターポポラ サテライト
Popola Satellite Childcare Support Center of
Tsuzuki Ward

7 mins walk from
Kamoi station
JR Yokohama Line
(3F Lalaport Yokohama)Tue to Sat 10:00 to 17:00(Playarea is available until 16:00)*Facility charge ¥0

緑区地域子育て支援拠点いっぽIppo Childcare Support Center of Midori Ward

3 mins walk from
Tokaichiba station
JR Yokohama LineTue to Sat 10:00 to 16:00*Facility charge ¥0

Libraries
Area

TsuzukiAzamino station
Yokohama Municipal Subway BlueLine or Tokyu Denen Toshi Line
Get on a bus for Azamino Gardensand get off at Oba ne no kami.
3 mins walk from the bus stop.

For usage guide of the libraries, scan the QR code.

23

Station5 mins walk from
Azamino station
Yokohama Municipal
Subway Blue Line or Tokyu
Denen Toshi Line

KohokuName

Yokohama City Library
Usage Guide

StationMemoChildcare service at the library is available for children aged 6months to kids who have not yet started elementary school.
Available twice a month on Thursday 10:00-11:00 and 11:00-12:00
for 6 children (first-come-first-served, book in advance).
Childcare cost: ¥500 /per hour.

AzaminoAoba

山内図書館
Yamauchi Library

3 mins walk from
Azamino station
Yokohama Municipal Subway
Blue Line or Tokyu Denen
Toshi Line

KikunaKohoku

港北図書館
Kohoku Library

7 mins walk from
Kikuna station
Tokyu Toyoko Line or JR
Yokohama Line

Storytime : On the second and fourth Thursdays of eachmonth (1-3yrs), the third Wednesday (3-6yrs), and the first
Saturday (elementary school age children and up)
Storytelling with pictures (Kamishibai) : On the third Saturdayof each month (all ages)

CenterMinamiTsuzuki

都筑図書館
Tsuzuki Library

6 mins walk fromCenter Minami station
Yokohama Municipal Subway
Blue Line or Green Line

Storytime : On the second Thursday of each month (0-1yrs),
the third Thursday (2-3yrs), the third Wednesday (for children
who can attend without parents)

Tokaichiba
Midori

緑図書館
Midori Library

4 mins walk from
Tokaichiba station
JR Yokohama Line

Storytime : On the second Wednesday of each month (2-3yrs),
the third Wednesday (0-1yrs), the forth Saturday (3yrs and up)

Area

Wadamachi
HodogayaName

横浜市特別支援教育総合センター
Yokohama City Special Needs
Education Center

5 mins walk from
Tsuzuki Fureai no Oka station
Yokohama Municipal Subway
Green LineFor chidren (0yrs-12yrs) living in Tsuzuki
and Midori ward.

10 mins walk from
Wadamachi station
Sotestu LineTo apply consultations at the Special
Needs Education Center, contact here.
Special Support Educational
Consultation Division, Board of Education
Secretariat. (*Inquiries in Japanese only)
Tel : 045-336-6020
Fax: 045-333-1455
Email: ky-tokuso@city.yokohama.jp

Art Experience - Free zone for children and parents
Area

AzaminoAoba

Name

横浜市民ギャラリーあざみ野
Yokohama Civic Art Gallery Azamino

StationMemo

5 mins walk from
Azamino station
Yokohama Municipal Subway BlueLine or Tokyu Denen Toshi Line

Yokohama Civic Art Gallery Azaminooffers a family art program three times amonth.
Children and their parents can enjoy acreative experience and make things
with paints, clay, and paper.
Fee: ¥100 per person

Bilingual Playgroup
Area
AzaminoAoba

Name
OYACO あそぼう会
OYACO Playgroup*Available in English and easy Japanese

StationMemo

3 mins walk from
Azamino station
Yokohama Municipal Subway BlueLine or Tokyu Denen Toshi Line
*Yamauchi Chiku Center

SCC holds a monthly playgroup session
for families raising 0-6 year-olds.
Children and parents or guardians will
have storytime, fingerplay, and simple
crafts with a seasonal theme.

24

OYACO Recommendation:
Useful Reference Links
General info.

Name / Website URL

QR CodeThank you!

Medical info.

Name / Website URL

QR CodeJapan Expat Guides

Free Health Consultation for Foreign
Residents

ALL JAPAN RELOCATION
https://www.alljapanrelocation.com/

Multilanguage Information Center (MIC) Kanagawa
https://mickanagawa.web.fc2.com/en-index.html

Multilingual Info

Multilingual Medical Questionnaire

Mar Mar Japan with Kids
https://www.marmar-japanwithkids.com/
multilingual/english/

Kanagawa International Foundation
https://www.kifjp.org/

Support for Moving-in Procedures inMultiple Languages

Interpretation at Hospital or Social
Services, Document Translations

NPO Kanagawa Housing Support Center
https://sumasen.com/

JAPAN HEALTH CARE INFO
https://japanhealthinfo.com/

Voice Tra

*Multilingual Speech Translation App

Medical Handbook English

National Institute of Information andCommunications Technology (NICT)
https://voicetra.nict.go.jp/en/index.html

Ibaraki International Association
https://www.ia-ibaraki.or.jp/kokusai/english/
medical/book/all.pdf(31 languages available)

Japanese-English dictionary

Parenting & Education info.
Name / Website URL<For Parents and Guardians><School Notifications and School-Related Terms>
Yokohama City Board of Education
https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/residents/en/
about-us/other/living/nihongoshido-tebiki.html

Writing in the Renrakucho

QR CodeKodomo QQ Kids Emergency
JAPAN PEDIATRIC SOCIETY
http://kodomo-qq.jp/en/index.php

Support and Consultation Services for
Women during Maternity and PostNatal CareRegards,
The OYACO team

NPO Mother's Tree Japan
https://mothers-tree-japan.org/english/

Yamagata University - Utsumi Laboratory
https://renrakucho.net/eng/

Leisure info.

Do you have concerns about yourchild’s development?

YOKOHAMA Official Visitor's Guide

National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities
http://www.rehab.go.jp/ddis/world/brochure/

Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau
https://www.yokohamajapan.com/~For parents raising children in Japan~

Some members who engaged in this project are participants who attended themeetups and roundtable talks. Through engaging in this community-based project, theproject members got to know each other and became a team.
The process of creating this second edition was short but efficient because SCC has
more members and supporters than it did three years ago.
We hope that this booklet can serve you as a reference for raising children in Japan. If you haveany comments or want to join SCC as a member or supporter, contact us via our website.

Japan Self-Medication Data-base Center
https://search.jsm-db.info/sp_en/

Jisho
https://jisho.org/

Welcome to the Yokohama School

The project manager Keiko called for SCC members to join in September 2021, and:
Sofia joined as the editor in chief;
Farah and Akhila as researchers;
Risa, Hatsumi, and Yumi as fact-checkers;
Yuki, Farah, and Yuko as translators;
Andrew and Aarthi as proofreaders;
Asako and Elena as supporters;
Anastasia, Katrina, Saira, and Elena as contributors;
Yukari as the designer.

Find Over-the-Counter Medicines*For words, kanji and example sentences

Name / Website URL

Members and Supporters WANTED!

QR CodeSCC is seeking members and supporters who have a passion for building a diverse
society in Japan. Help can come in many ways:● Translator ● Childcare Person ● Event staff ● Cultural event facilitator
For those interested, please feel free to contact us.

Contact Us Now & Join SCC
Email

As of March 2022
25

This publication was funded as a whole by the Yokohama City International Affairs
Bureau in 2021. We would like to thank them for giving us support for this project.
We wanted to do more than just fill the information gap for international families.
We realize that it is also difficult for those who have just arrived in Japan to get toknow people in their local area. Therefore, we started by holding a series of parenting
meetups with Popola Childcare Support Center of Tsuzuki ward and a roundtable talk.
After those meetups and roundtable talk sessions, we were finally ready to drive thispublication project forward.

info@sharingcaringculture.org

Websitehttps://sharingcaringculture.org/
26

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and Instagram for news,
events and special offers.

sharing caring culture@sharing_culture

Non-Profit Organization

This booklet was funded by the subsidy from City of Yokohama International Affairs Bureau that
supports projects to help realize a creative society by promoting multiculturalism.
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