LIFE IN SENDAI【ENGLISH】
Foreword

Welcome to Sendai, the ‘City of Trees’. Your new life in Sendai is about to begin. When living ina different culture, you may encounter many unknowns that cause you to worry. The City of Sendai
created this book to help you with your life in Sendai.
We are thankful to everyone who cooperated in the creation of this book. Please help us makethis book even more practical and easier to use by sharing your impressions with us. We hopeyour life in Sendai will be a pleasant one.
City of Sendai

How to use this book
We created this book for people who have been living in Sendai for less than three months. Pleaserefer to the website of the International Relations Department of the Sendai Tourism, Convention
and International Association (SenTIA) for additional and more detailed information.
The website of the International Relations Department of the Sendai Tourism,
Convention and International Association (SenTIA):
Easy (simple) Japanese is used in this book for foreigners’ ease of understanding.
*Language abbreviations: Japanese—J; English—E; Chinese—C; Korean—K; Vietnamese—V;
Nepali―N. Languages other than those listed above will not be abbreviated*The public utility charges and other figures listed in this book are subject to change.

Sendai Multicultural Center(Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Except for one to two days every month and from Dec. 28 to Jan. 4)
The Sendai Multicultural Center provides daily life consultations for foreign residents and offers
advice on multicultural community building.
The facility also provides multilingual information on daily life and tourism in Sendai.
Information on Japanese courses for those wishing to study the language is also available.
Consultations in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Nepali are handled directly byadvisors.
TEL: 022-265-2471 E-mail: tabunka@sentia-sendai.jp
If you wish to inquire in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Portuguese, Spanish,Thai, Russian, Indonesian, Tagalog, Italian, French, German, Malay, Khmer,
Burmese, Mongolian, Sinhala, Hindi, Bengali, Ukrainian, etc.,
please call the Interpretation Support Hotline at 022-224-1919.
Specialist Consultations for Foreign Residents are held periodically.

Interpretation
Support Hotline

Specialists from the Miyagi Administrative Scrivener Association,
Sendai Bar Association, Sendai Regional Immigration Bureau,
Miyagi Labour Bureau, and Tohoku Tax Accountants’ Association areavailable for consultations. No fees are required for consultations.
An appointment must be made ahead of time.

Specialist
Consultations Website

For inquiries about procedures at the City Hall, ward offices, etc.
Please contact the Sendai City General Call Center “Mori-no-miyako Teach Me Helpline” if you
have questions about procedures at the City Hall, ward offices or related topics. Assistance isoffered in Japanese and 5 other languages.
Sendai City General Call Center “Mori-no-miyako Teach Me Helpline”
TEL: 022-398-4894
Hours of
Operation

Year-round8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. on weekends,(national) holidays, and from December 29 to January 3)

Languages

Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Nepali

Available※ 3-way telephone calls are used for languages other than Japanese.

●When to make an inquiry●(1) When you want to know more about procedures at the City Hall, ward offices, etc.
Staff will answer questions such as where you should go for what procedure,
and what you need to bring with you.
E.g.:・Change in address
・When a child is born

Please feel
free to call!

・National Health Insurance procedures
・Individual Number (My Number) Card procedures(2) When you want to know how to dispose of household waste
Staff can provide answers for collection days, how to sort waste, and rules for putting out
garbage bags for pickup.
E.g.:・When to put out garbage bags
・How to sort paper material (magazines, cardboard, etc.)
・How to put out cans, glass bottles, PET bottles, and batteries(3) When you are unsure of where to ask a certain question
Please consult the call center if you do not know where to direct your inquiry.
※ If the call center could not answer your question, you may be asked to contact the Sendai
Multicultural Center or another organization.

Table of Contents
Emergencies・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・1●Accidents and incidents●Sudden illnesses and fires●Hospitals (medical facilities) that accept emergency cases at night and on weekends

Earthquakes・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・2●How to prepare for an earthquake●What to do in an earthquake●After the shaking stops

Typhoons and Heavy Rain ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・4●How to prepare for typhoons and heavy rain
●Sendai Disaster Multilingual Support Center

Basics ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・6
I. Residence ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・6●Once you have an address, register as a resident●Moving ●Paid work outside of eligibilities outlined by your status of residence●Leaving and re-entering Japan●If your residence card is lost or stolen●Individual Number (My Number) system (social security and tax number system)
II. Daily life・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・10
1. Housing・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・10●Renting housing ●What you need to sign a rental contract●Renewing your contract●Terminating your contract●What is public housing?

2. Water, electricity, and gas・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・12
3. Telephone・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・13●Buying a mobile phone or SIM card

●Calling from a public telephone●International phone calls
4. Internet ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・13●Using the internet from your home computer
5. Postal service ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・13●If you receive a notice of non-delivery
6. Money・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・14●How to open a bank account●How to close a bank account●ATMs

7. Personal seals・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・15●Purchasing a personal seal

●Registering a personal seal

8. Waste disposal・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・15●Putting out household waste●Disposing of bulky waste

9. Television and radio・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・17●Television●Foreign-language radio programs●Viewing and listening to international broadcasts on the internet

10. Police boxes・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・18
11. Neighborhood associations ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・18
12. Taxes, pension, and welfare ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・18●Taxes●Paying inhabitant tax when you leave Japan●Pension ●Welfare services

III. Health ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・20
1. Health check-ups・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・20
2. Hospitals ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・20●Going to a hospital/clinic●Health insurance system and insurance cards

IV. Children ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・21
1. Pregnancy, childbirth and babies ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・21●If you are pregnant●Childbirth Assistance Program●What to do when your child is sick●When your baby is born

●Health check-ups for babies

2. Toddlers・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・22●Immunization for children●Authorized nursery schools●Child allowance●Sending your child to nursery school●Unlicensed childcare facilities●Sending your child to kindergartens●Sending your child to authorized centers for early childhood education and care
●Sending your children to regional child daycare services●Places where parent and child can play together (Nobisuku)●Visiting a children’s center

3. School ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・25●Sending your child to Sendai municipal elementary and junior high schools●Support and activities for students and parents whose first language is not Japanese●International schools in Sendai
V. Transportation ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・27
1. Public transportation ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・27●Buses●Subway ●Purchasing commuter passes and icsca cards●JR trains●Long-distance buses●Taxis

2. Cars, motorcycles and bicycles ・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・29●Driving a car or motorcycle in Japan●Registering your car or motorcycle●Converting a foreign license●Bicycles●Please obey Japanese traffic regulations●Signing up for insurance

VI. Work・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・33

Other Information・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・34●Studying Japanese●Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)●Scholarships for international students in Japan●Obtaining information●Contact information for the Prefectural Office, City Hall, and ward offices●Public Facilities in Sendai City

Appendix: Conversation Chart, Sendai Area Train Line Map

Emergencies ※ Please call these numbers only in case of emergency, not forquestions or consultations.
Police: 110 (Accidents and incidents)
Ambulance/ fire: 119 (Sudden illnesses and fires) (available in 17 languages ※)※ Support in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Nepali, Portuguese,
Spanish, French, German, Italian, Russian, Malay, Burmese, and Khmer.

● “Adult Emergency Consultation”: Consultation hotline for when you are unsure whether you
should call an ambulance#7119 or TEL: 022-706-7119 (Japanese only)
Weekdays 7:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. of the next day; Saturdays 2:00 p.m.-Sunday 8:00 a.m.; Sundays
and (national) holidays 24 hours● “Miyagi Children Nighttime at Ease Call”: Consultation hotline for when a child becomessuddenly ill or injured at night#8000 or TEL: 022-212-9390 (Japanese only) Everyday 7:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. of the next day●Hospitals (medical facilities) that accept emergency cases at night and on weekends are listed
below.
Sendai Emergency

Internal medicine

Weekdays

7:15 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Saturdays

2:45 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Sundays and(national) holidays

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Weekdays

7:15 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Saturdays

2:45 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Sundays and(national) holidays

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Orthopedics
Ophthalmology
Gynecology
Otolaryngology

Sundays and(national) holidays

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

Internal medicine

Weekdays

7:15 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Saturdays

2:45 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Sundays and(national) holidays

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
1:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.

Medical Care Center
64-12 Funacho,
Wakabayashi-ku
TEL: 022-266-6561
Surgery

Sendai Hokubu
Emergency Medical

Surgery

Care Center
2F, 1-1-2 Tsutsumimachi,
Aoba-ku
TEL: 022-301-6611

1

Sendai Children’s

Pediatrics

Weekdays

7:15 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

Emergency Medical(internal diseases

Care Center

only)

Saturdays

2:45 p.m.-7:00 a.m.

1F, 1-1-1 Asuto

Sundays and(national) holidays

Nagamachi, Taihaku-ku
TEL: 022-247-7035
Sendai Dental
Dentistry
Association Emergency

Saturdays

Dentistry Center

1:15 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.
7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Sundays and(national) holidays

12F, 2-12-2 Itsutsubashi,
Aoba-ku

9:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

TEL: 022-261-7345※ Local hospitals and medical institutions also accept emergency cases on weekends on arotating basis. This system is called “kyujitsu-toban-i”.
Hours: 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
じょうほう

For details, please see the City of Sendai website: ホ ー ム Top> く ら し の 情 報 Living
あんぜん

あんしん

きゅうきゅうきゅうじつ と う ば ん い

Information>くらしの安全・安心 Safe and Secure Living> 救 急 ・休 日 当番医 Emergencies
and Kyujitsu-toban-i※ The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen.

Earthquakes

An earthquake can occur at any time.
Remember the following tips to be prepared for an earthquake.
●How to prepare for an earthquake●(1) Imagine what you would do
What would you do if an earthquake occurred right now? Discuss a variety of scenarioswith your family and friends.
(2) Ensure your home is safe
Would your furniture or TV fall over in an earthquake? Lights on the ceiling are safer ifthey are light in weight. Keep slippers, a radio, and a flashlight by your bed.
(3) Identify safe places and routes in your neighborhood
Find a safe place near your home, such as a wide open space where things would notcome falling down in an earthquake. If you live near the ocean, find a safe, high place
you could evacuate to in case of a tsunami.
(4) Confirm where your evacuation center (refuge area) is
Sendai municipal elementary and junior high schools and other facilities are designatedas evacuation centers (refuge areas).
A list of evacuation centers can be found on the International Relations Department
section of SenTIA’s website Top>Information in Foreign Languages>Disaster
Prevention>Refuge Area List

(J, E, C, K)

2

(5) Agree on a method of contact with your family and friends
For some time after a disaster, it may be difficult to obtain a stable connection on mobile
phones. Decide in advance how you would contact and meet up with your family andfriends.
(6) Prepare an emergency kit in case you have to evacuate
Put the following items in a backpack (convenient as both of your hands are free while
wearing a backpack):
・A copy of your residence card ・Cash (with plenty of coins) ・Underwear, socks
・Gloves ・Radio ・Rain gear (umbrella, etc.) ・Flashlight ・First aid kit
・Mobile phone (mobile batteries) ・Plastic bags ・Emergency food・Regular medication, contact lenses, sanitary napkins, and other items you may need・Hygiene products (masks, a thermometer, soap, alcohol sanitizer, etc.)(7) Get to know your neighbors
Greet your neighbors on a regular basis and get to know each other. Participate in yourneighborhood disaster risk reduction (DRR) training and stay informed about DRR.
(8) Know where to find disaster information
Within minutes of an earthquake occurring, its magnitude and seismic intensity in eacharea, as well as information on possible tsunamis, are broadcast on television and theradio. If a major tsunami warning or a tsunami warning is issued, NHK T.V. will broadcast
in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese on a supplementary soundchannel. NHK Radio 2 (Sendai 1089 kHz, Kesennuma 1539 kHz) will broadcast
repeatedly in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Portuguese. A radio is very
convenient for when electricity and mobile phone connections are unavailable.
※ SenTIA cooperates with radio stations in Sendai to broadcast information in English,
Chinese, and Korean. You can also receive information by registering for SenTIA’s e-mailmagazine, Facebook, or X (formerly Twitter). Also remember the Sendai Disaster
Multilingual Support Center (page 5).

Sign up for the SenTIA e-mailmagazine, Facebook, andX (Twitter)→
E-mail magazine

Facebook●What to do in an earthquake●＊If you are at home＊＊(1) Protect your head(2) Do not panic and do not rush outside
3

X (Twitter)＊If you are outside＊＊(1) Stay away from concrete block walls and vending machines(2) Watch out for falling signs and window glass＊＊If you are at school, a shop, etc.＊(1) Protect your head(2) Watch out for hanging lighting fixtures, etc.

(3) Do not panic and do not rush outside●After the shaking stops●① Look around . . . Make sure your environment is safe.
② After the shaking stops, extinguish any fires③ Open a door to secure an exit
④ Gather information from the TV and radio . . . There will be broadcasts in foreign languages.
See page 17 for details.
⑤ Stay alert for potential tsunamis . . . If you are near the ocean, move to a safe place as highup, as far away, and as quickly as possible.
⑥ Reach out to the people around you and help each other.
⑦ If your home is not safe, go to an evacuation center or another safe place.
【Earthquake Early Warning】】
This is a system that sends out a warning before a large earthquake occurs. A special chime willsound on mobile phones. Please contact your mobile phone companies for details.
The following resources provide simple explanations on how to prepare for an earthquake
and what to do during one.
●Multilingual Disaster Prevention Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o872bBbqOV4
website (J, E, C, K, V, N, 6 other languages)●Advice for Protecting Yourself in an Earthquake
International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website
https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/e/download/information/bousai_e.pdf(J, E, C, K, V, N, 5 other languages)※ The booklet is distributed for free at the Sendai Multicultural Center

Typhoons and Heavy Rain
Taking measures ahead of time is incredibly important. Be sure to check weather forecasts. Just
as with earthquakes, it is vital to confirm the location of your evacuation center and means ofcontacting family and friends, prepare supplies you will take with you, and interact with people inyour community.
4

●How to prepare for typhoons and heavy rain●(1) Check hazard maps
There is a hazard map for Sendai City. Check it to confirm any potentially dangerous areas
near your house.

ぼうさい

Hazard map: ‘Sendai Kurashi no Map’ (https//www2.wagmap.jp/sendaicity/Portal)>防災
Disaster Prevention (J)(2) Check the five-level evacuation information broadcasted during times of heavy rain
When the alert level has reached 4, everyone in a dangerous area must evacuate. Always
check the alert level and take appropriate actions accordingly.

Five-level evacuation information which is given out during times of heavy rain
Alert Levels 1 and 2 will be announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency and Alert Levels 3 through 5 will beannounced by the City along with other evacuation information. Make sure to take appropriate evacuation measures
based on the Alert Level.
Alert Level
Alert Level
Alert Level
けいかい れべる

3

4

けいかい れべる

5

警戒レベル5【Full evacuation】
けいかい れべる

警戒レベル4
ぜんいん ひ なん

警戒レベル3【全員避難】

Evacuation for theelderly and other atrisk groups

Evacuation Order

Secure Safety
Urgently
き ん きゅう あ ん ぜ ん か く ほ

Alert Level
Alert Level
けいかい れべる

1

警戒レベル1
Check current
weather
information.

けいかい れべる

2

警戒レベル2
Confirm evacuationroutes used to run
away and where yourclosest shelters are.

こうれいしゃとう ひ なん

（高齢者等避難）If elderly or physically
impaired, pleaseevacuate. Everyone
else should prepare toevacuate.

ひ なん しじ（避難指示）
It is very dangerous
because of a disasteroccurrence.
Please evacuate
immediately.

（緊 急 安 全 確 保 ）A disaster is occurring.
Please takeappropriate measures
to protect your life.

Urgency increases from levels 1 to 5

Sendai Disaster Multilingual Support Center
When a natural disaster occurs, the Sendai Disaster Multilingual Support Center will be set up
at the Sendai Multicultural Center. The Center conducts activities such as providing information
in foreign languages. Please contact the Center if you need help or need to speak to someone
in a foreign language.
For more details, please see the International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s
website.

TEL: 022-224-1919

https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/saigai/(J, E, C, K, V, N)

5

Basics / I. Residence●Once you have an address, register as a resident●
If you are a mid to long-term resident, within 14 days of obtaining an address, you must bringyour residence card (if you have not yet received a residence card, bring your passport instead)to your local ward office to register as a resident. If you submit a moving-in notification, a resident
record will be created for you.
※ Persons aged 16 or over must carry their residence card at all times＊Who is a mid to long-term resident?＊＊
Anyone to whom NONE of the following apply:① Persons whose period of stay is less than three months② Persons whose status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”③ Persons whose status of residence is “Diplomat” or “Official”④ Persons decreed by the Ministry of Justice as falling under categories ① to ③
⑤ Special Permanent Residents⑥ Persons who do not have a status of residence＊What is a Resident Record?＊＊
A form on which a resident’s name and address are recorded, which serves as proof ofresidence and other information. A copy of your resident record is required when signing acontract to buy or sell a car, when completing procedures to rent a residence, or when you needto prove your identity, etc. (Each copy costs 300 yen.)●Moving●＊When moving within Sendai City＊＊
Complete the necessary procedures at your ward office within 14 days of moving. You will need
your residence card and, for those who have one, your Individual Number (My Number) Card.
＊When moving outside Sendai City＊＊
Complete the necessary procedures at your old ward office before moving. If you are moving
to an address within Japan, you will receive a moving-out certificate. Bring it to your new ward
office and complete the necessary procedures within 14 days after moving. You will need yourresidence card and, for those who have one, your Individual Number (My Number) Card.
※ For information on how to terminate your house/apartment contract, see page 10.
●Paid work outside of eligibilities outlined by your status of residence●
Permission is needed for paid jobs that fall outside of the eligibility outlined by your status ofresidence. Procedures are done at the Immigration Bureau. Permanent residents, spouses orchildren of Japanese nationals, spouses or children of permanent residents, and long-term
residents do not need to obtain said permission.
6

【What you will need】
・Application for Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted
Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
・Passport
・Residence card
※ Depending on the details of the application, the below documents may be requested:・Documents detailing the nature of the job that falls outside of the eligibility outlined by yourstatus of residency (copy of employment contract, description of the company, etc.)
・Documents detailing your current work (certificate of employment stating work duties, etc.)●Leaving and re-entering Japan●
When you leave and then re-enter Japan during your period of stay and wish to retain your statusof residence, you must obtain re-entry permission before leaving Japan.
There are two types of re-entry permission: one that is valid for a single re-entry, and one that is
valid for multiple re-entries within the period of validity. The period of validity of re-entry
permission is limited to one’s period of stay, and in principle may not exceed five years (six years
for Special Permanent Residents).
【What you will need】
・Application for Re-Entry Permit
・Passport
・Residence card
・Revenue stamp (3,000 yen for single re-entry; 6,000 yen for multiple re-entries）「Special Re-Entry Permit」」
In principle, when a mid to long-term resident leaves Japan and returns within one year (two years
for Special Permanent Residents), re-entry permission is not necessary. (This is called a Special
Re-Entry Permit.) You will need your residence card and passport to leave and re-enter Japan.
※ The period of validity of a Special Re-Entry Permit cannot be extended.
※ In the event that the period of stay ends before the period of validity of theSpecial Re-Entry Permit, you must re-enter Japan within your period of stay.
※ Foreign nationals falling under any of the following, however, are NOT eligible for a Special
Re-entry Permit, and are required to obtain an ordinary re-entry permit:① Those whose status of residence is under procedures for revocation;② Those whose confirmation of departure is being deferred;③ Those for whom a written detention order has been issued;④ Those who are staying in Japan with the status of residence for "Designated Activities" while
7

applying for recognition of refugee status;⑤ Those who may take actions that threaten Japan’s national interests or public order;⑥ Those who are recognized by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency tohave valid reason to require an ordinary re-entry permit for the sake of fair control of entries
and departures.
For details on matters related to residency, please contact the following.
Foreign Residents Information

Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. TEL: 0570-013904

Center(IP number & overseas number TEL: 03-5796-7112)(J, E, C, K, V, N, 11 other languages)

Sendai Regional Immigration

1-3-20 Gorin, Miyagino-ku 〒983-0842

Bureau

TEL: 0570-022259 (Navi dial)E-mail: info-tokyo@i.moj.go.jp (J, E) (E-mail inquiries will
be handled by the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau)

Immigration Service Agency ofhttps://www.moj.go.jp/isa/index.html

Japan(J, E, C, K, V, N, others)(Procedures for the Residency
Management System for Mid toLong-term Residents)
Foreign Residents Support
Center (FRESC)

Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
TEL: 0570-011000 (J, E)(IP Phone & overseas number: TEL: 03-5363-3013)
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/fresc/fresc01.html●If your residence card is lost or stolen●① Report to the nearest police station. You will receive a certificate such as a Certificate of
Notification of Theft stating where and when it was lost or stolen, as well as a report number.
→You will be contacted if someone turns your card in to the police station.
② Take your certificate and report number to the Immigration Bureau to apply to have your card
re-issued.
③ If there are no problems, you will receive your new residence card that same day.
Note) You must apply to have your card re-issued within 14 days of realizing that you havelost your card or that your card has been stolen. You will need your passport and one 4cm x
3cm photograph.
●Individual Number (My Number) system (social security and tax number system)●
A 12-digit Individual Number (My Number), is given to each and every individual who has aresident record in Japan. Foreign residents with a resident record (mid to long-term residents
and permanent residents) are also assigned an Individual Number. Your Individual Number is8printed on your Individual Number Notification, which will be sent by registered mail to theaddress on your resident record.
Your Individual Number (My Number) is used for administrative procedures related to aspects
such as health insurance, tax matters, and disaster countermeasures. When you work part-time
or full-time jobs, or apply for a scholarship at university, you will need to give your Individual
Number to your workplace or university. Your Individual Number will never change. Please takecare not to lose your Individual Number Card (※), and do not tell anyone your Individual Number
unless absolutely necessary.
※ 「Individual Number Card」
After you have been notified of your Individual Number (My Number) and applied to your local
government, you will be issued an Individual Number Card which you can use as a form of ID
for various services. Individual Number Cards come in the form of an IC card with your name,address, date of birth, sex and Individual Number printed on it, in addition to a photograph ofyour face.
For more information, please see the Immigration Services Agency website below.
Apply now for an Individual Number Card (My Number Card) to enjoy an easier and moreconvenient life!

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/mynumbercard.html(Multilingual versions of the website available)

9Basics / II. Daily life / 1. Housing●Renting housing●

When you rent a house or an apartment, normally you begin by visiting a real estate agent. Your
employer or school may also provide you with information about residences for rent. You canalso find information on residences for rent in free pamphlets distributed at places such as train
stations and supermarkets.
●What you need to sign a rental contract●① Show proof of ID

Bring proof of ID such as your residence card or passport② Complete andFill in the real estate agent’s contract with your name, and stamp it

stamp the rental

with your personal seal (see page 15 for details). In some cases youragreement

signature may suffice.

③ Guarantor

You will need a Japanese person to act as your guarantor in theevent that you become unable to pay your rent. Recently, there has
been a rise in people using the ‘Rent Debt Guarantee System’.

④ Security deposit

This is a fee paid to the landlord equivalent to two to three months’
rent. It is set aside in case you are ever late in paying your rent. If
you do not have any unpaid rent at the time you move out, this fee
will be refunded to you.
If you have broken or dirtied anything in the residence, its cost may
be deducted from the amount.

⑤ Key money

This is a fee paid to the landlord equivalent to approximately one
month’s rent. This fee is not refunded. Some properties do not
require this fee.

⑥ Broker’s fee

This is a fee paid to the real estate agent, stated to be less than orequivalent to one month’s rent in the Building Lots and Buildings
Transactions Business Act.

⑦ RentThis is a monthly rental fee. Normally each month’s rent is paid
before the end of the previous month.

⑧ Administration fee(utility fee)

The maintenance costs for elevators, corridors, and any other places
whose use is shared between residents. This is normally paid
monthly in addition to your rent.

⑨ Damage insurancefee

It is necessary for you to take out damage insurance while you areliving in your residence in case of the unlikely event of a fire, or waterleakage. Be sure to check the insurance coverage thoroughly.

●Renewing your contract●
Rental contracts are normally two years. When you renew your contract, you may need to pay
an administrative fee to the real estate agent.
●Terminating your contract●
When you want to terminate your contract, notify your landlord or real estate agent in advance10

in accordance with the terms of your contract (usually one month’s advance notice is required).
If you move out without notification or on short notice, you will be required to pay a penalty forbreach of contract. Please also pay your utility fees (water, gas, electricity) when you move.
Leave the residence clean and in the same condition as when you moved in. Do not leavebehind any furniture or appliances that you bought. Return the key to the landlord.
【Useful words for renting an apartment】】◎Chintai bukken . . . . . . A property (house, apartment, room, etc.) available for rent. Also calleda bukken.

◎Yanushi . . . . . . . . . . . . Landlord◎Kanri-hi, Kyoeki-hi . . . Fee for maintenance and cleaning of areas and equipment shared by
all residents of a building (elevators, hallways, etc.). Paid separatelyfrom rent.

◎Songai hoken-ryo . . . .Fee for damage insurance for your household belongings (you may
be enrolled when you sign your contract).

◎Kuriiningu-dai . . . . . . .Fee to have the residence professionally cleaned after you move out.
Even if you cleaned the residence yourself, you may still incur thisfee.

※ Once you have an address, report to your ward office to complete the necessary
procedures. For details, see page 6.
●What is public housing?●
Public housing is intended for those who have difficulty finding housing on their own. The rent isless expensive than private rental properties, but there are criteria for who can apply. For more
information, please see the websites of Miyagi Prefecture and Sendai City.
Municipal Housing

TEL:

Applications for Sendai City Municipal Housing,

General Information

022-222-

open four times a year (June, September,Center4881

December, and March). There are also
application periods for single parent households,
families raising children, households withmultiple children, as well as rolling applications.
Inquiries about municipal housing.

Miyagi Public Housing

TEL:

Applications for Prefectural Public Housing,

Section, Moving in022-224-

open four times a year (June, September,Management Department,

0014

Moving in Subsection

December, and March).
Inquiries about prefectural housing.

＊Multilingual Guide for Applying to Municipal Housing＊＊
The International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website Top>Information in Foreign
Languages>Daily Life>Application Guide for Sendai City Municipal Housing (J, E, C, K)＊Sendai Multicultural Center Interpretation Support Hotline
11(TEL: 022-224-1919)＊＊

Basics / II. Daily life / 2. Water, electricity, and gas
You must submit applications for water, electricity and gas when you would like to begin to usethem, as well as when you would like to terminate these services.
Water

Electricity

Gas
・Sendai City Gas

Contact

Sendai City Waterworks
Bureau Call Center

Private companies

Bureau・Private companies(propane gas)

When toAs soon as your place of residence is decided

apply

Call the Gas Bureau orgas company. An
How toPlease contact the callContact the relevant call

employee will come to

apply

center.

center or apply online.

your residence to turn on
the gas. You must bepresent at the time.

Payment

Every two months

Every month

Every month

You are required to pay the water, electricity, and gas fees. Please pay via one
Paymentof the following payment methods:

method① Bring the bill that you received in the mail and pay it at a bank or aconvenience store② Apply for the funds to be automatically deducted from your bank account (Forinformation on opening a bank account, see page 14.)
③ Pay by credit card

Stopping a

You must contact the water, electricity, and gas services prior to moving out

service(including if you were to go back to your home country). Contact each utility atwhen You

least five days in advance to when you would like to terminate the services.

move out
There are two types of
Notes

Tap water in Sendai is

Sendai’s electricity isgas: city gas andsafe to drink.

100 volts, 50 hertz.

propane gas. Please use
appliances built for thetype of gas you have.

12【Water】Sendai City Waterworks Bureau Call Center
TEL: 022-748-1111 (Weekdays 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)https://www.suidou.city.sendai.jp/nx_html/06-madoguchi/06-301.html【Electricity】Please contact each individual electricity company.
【Gas】The contact number varies depending on your place of residence
City Gas

Special line for moving(Sendai City Gas Bureau)

TEL: 0800-800-8978 or 022-256-2111
https://www.gas.city.sendai.jp/ (J, E)

Propane Gas

Ask your landlord or real estate agent for contact information.

Basics / II. Daily life / 3. Telephone
Sendai’s area code is 022. An area code is required when calling from a mobile phone.
●Buying a mobile phone or SIM card●
You can buy a mobile phone at a phone company’s store or at an electronics store.
【What to bring (Items may vary depending on the company)】
Proof of ID, documents that show your Japanese address, bank account number, etc. (Forinformation on opening a bank account, see page 14.)
●Calling from a public telephone●
Most Japanese public telephones accept 10 yen and 100 yen coins and telephone cards. You
will not receive change for a 100 yen coin.
●International phone calls●
Dial the telephone company’s identification number (0033 or 001)＋010＋country code＋area
code＋telephone number.

Basics / II. Daily life / 4. Internet●Using the internet from your home computer●
You can apply to an internet service provider at an electronics store or apply online. There aremany different providers with various packages and plans.
※ When applying to a provider at an electronics store, you will need proof of ID (residence card,etc.). You will also need to check whether your apartment building is connected to the network
provided by a certain provider.

Basics / II. Daily life / 5. Postal service
You can find post offices and post boxes by looking for the 〒 symbol.

13

※ Some post offices also offer international remittances.
For details, see the Japan Post website https://www.post.japanpost.jp/index.html
Japan Post website (E) https://www.post.japanpost.jp/index_en.html
For
information on
postal services
in English■ Apply for redelivery of mail items
By webhttps://www.post.japanpost.jp/receive/redelivery_form/

By phone

TEL: 0570-046111 (Phone calls are charged)

Weekdays 8:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Weekends and holidays 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

●If you receive a notice of non-delivery●
This is a notice that the post office attempted todeliver post, a package, or international mail when
you were not at home. You can pick up your mailor other item at the post office listed on the back sideof the notice (you will need the notice, your personalseal or signature, and proof of ID if you do), or contact
the post office via phone or the internet to let them know
when you would like for your mail to be re-delivered.
※ If you do not contact the post office, your mailor parcel will generally be held for 7 days
(international mail for 15 days), after which it will be returned to the sender.

Basics / II. Daily life / 6. Money●How to open a bank account●
You will need a bank account for purposes such as receiving payments from work. You cancreate an account by going to the bank, or in some cases, you can open a bank account via thethe bank’s designated smartphone application. Please check the website of each bank.
※ Procedures carried out at the bank will be conducted in Japanese, so make sure you areaccompanied by someone who speaks Japanese.
In addition, some financial institutions require making reservations ahead of time, and someprocedures might take longer to complete.
【What to bring】】
・Proof of ID (residence card, etc.)※ Except for diplomats, permanent residents, and those who have not yet received theirresidence card, you must present your residence card at banks. You cannot establish a bankaccount if your status of residence expires within a 3 month period starting on the day when
you applied for a bank account. Please apply once you have finished the procedures to renew
14

your residence period. If you have a “student” or “technical intern training” visa, please also
bring your student or employee identification with you.
・Personal seal (some banks will accept signatures of foreign residents)●How to close a bank account ●You are required to close your bank account before moving out of the country, etc. Take thefollowing items with you to the bank/Japan Post Bank.
【What to bring】】
・Cash card (and bank book if you have one), personal seal (not needed if you used a signature),
identifying documents (residence card), etc.
※ It is a crime to buy, sell, lend or give your bank account to another person. In order to avoid
getting wrapped up in any illegal activities, make sure to close your account before leaving thecountry.
※ When your residence card is updated due to a period of stay extension or change in status ofresidence, please present your updated residence card to the bank’s service counter after it
has been updated.
●ATMs●
ATMs are machines that allow you to deposit or withdraw money from your bank account. Most
ATMs at banks can be used without a fee on weekdays from around 9:00 a.m. to around 6:00
p.m. if using a card from the corresponding bank. Outside these hours and on holidays, you will
be charged a fee. It is also possible to use the ATMs located within convenience stores, etc.
※ Some ATMs have languages other than Japanese available

Basics / II. Daily life / 7. Personal seals●Purchasing a personal seal●
In Japan, personal seals are used in place of signatures. Your first or last name is carved onyour seal. You can have a personal seal made at a specialty shop.
●Registering a personal seal●
When buying a car or signing a contract, you have to have your personal seal registered at yourward office. You can only register a seal if you are aged 15 or over, and are registered as aresident. Only one seal per person may be registered. You cannot register your seal if it does
not have the same name as your resident record engraved on it. You may not register a seal
with your nickname. For details, please contact each ward office.

Basics / II. Daily life / 8. Waste disposal●Putting out household waste●
Please put out garbage bags in the designated area before 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the15

appropriate collection day (day to throw out garbage). Please put out household waste andrecyclable plastic containers and packaging in their respective designated bags. Thesedesignated bags can be bought at supermarkets and convenience stores.
Household waste

Plastic containers and packaging

Put household waste

Put items that are 100% made out

such as food scrapsof plastic materials in thefrom the kitchen in adesignated red
bag and tie it closed

designated green bag

so the contents

and tie it closed so the

do not fall out.

contents do not fall out.
Cans, bottles, PET bottles

Paper materials

Put cans and glass and plastic bottles directly

Sort paper into 4 types

into the yellow collection boxes in the(newspaper and folded

collection area. Put cylindrical batteries,

leaflets, cardboard, cartons,

mobile batteries, and mercury

magazines and other paper materials) and tie

medical thermometers in clear

the bundle up with a string before putting it out.

bags before placing them in

You can also put magazines and other paper

the boxes.

materials into plastic bags or paper boxes
when you dispose of them.

For details, please see the International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
Top>Information in Foreign Languages>Daily Life>Guide to Sorting Recyclables (J, E, C, K, V, N)“The Sendai City Guide for Sorting Recyclables and Waste, and How to Put Them Out For
Collection” pamphlet is distributed at City Hall, ward offices, and the Sendai Multicultural
Center. There is also a video explaining how to put out your garbage on YouTube.
Sendai Waste Disposal

Video

Search keywords 🔍🔍●Disposing of bulky waste●
Tables, dressers, and other items which longest dimension is over 30cm are considered bulky
waste. There is a fee to dispose of these items. You must apply to the Bulky Waste Information
Center to have oversized garbage collected and thrown away.
【Application procedure for disposing of bulky waste】】① Call the Bulky Waste Reception Center in Japanese(TEL: 022-716-5301)

Hours of operation: Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Open on (national) holidays)※ The dates on which bulky waste can be disposed of are predetermined. Make sure to
apply early.
Tell the phone operator what kind of item you would like to dispose of and its size. You will
be told your reception number, the price, and what day to dispose of it.
16

② Buy a payment ticket
Buy a payment ticket for the amount you were quoted at a convenience store. Write yourreception number on the ticket and attach it to the item in a visible spot.
③ Put the item where you are told to by the Bulky Waste Reception Center by 8:30 a.m.
on the morning of the designated day※ You can apply for the collection of some bulky waste online. (Japanese only).
https://www.sendai-sodai.jp/eco/view/sendai/top.html※ Video on bulky waste disposal “Guide on How to Dispose of Bulky Waste in Sendai City”(English only). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWKQGHq5IRI＊The City of Sendai does not collect the following items.
Please consult the store where you bought the item.
Air conditioners・televisions・refrigerators・freezers・washing machines・dryers・computers・
tires・gasoline・fire extinguishers・propane gas cylinders・waste oil (kerosene)・explosives・
hazardous substances・dangerous drugs・poison・agricultural chemicals・paint・large safes・
pianos・batteries・motorcycles (over 50cc)・automobiles
If you need to call the Bulky Waste Information Center and require language assistance, or if you
have any questions about waste disposal, please contact the Sendai Multicultural Center (TEL:022-224-1919; E-mail: tabunka@sentia-sendai.jp).

Basics / II. Daily life / 9. Television and radio●Television●
If you have set up a television in your home, you will need to sign a broadcast subscription
contract with NHK, and pay subscription fees. Subscription fees vary depending on your contract.
For more information, please contact NHK.
NHK toll-free number

TEL: 0120-151515

Hours: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. including Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays (excluding theyear-end and New Year holiday period)
NHK subscription fees guide

https://www.nhk-cs.jp/jushinryo/(J, E, C, K, V and 7 other languages.)●Foreign-language radio programs●※ Frequency in parentheses

Hello SENDAI! (Advice Radio 3 (76.2), FM Izumi (79.7),
for living in Sendai)FMFM Taihaku (78.9), FM Natori (80.1)
For details, see the International Relations Department
section of SenTIA’s website: Top>Hello SENDAI!

Global Talk (Advice for Date fm (FM Sendai) (77.1)

FM

disaster preparedness)
Foreign language news

NHK Radio 2 (Sendai 1089, Kesennuma 1539)
17

AM

●Viewing and listening to international broadcasts on the internet●
NHK international broadcasts are broadcasted 24 hours, aiming to provide people overseas withthe latest news and topics about Japan. You can also view or listen to these broadcasts online
while in Japan.
NHK World-Japan TV: 24-hour English TV broadcasts.
NHK World Radio Japan: Radio services broadcast in 17 languages.
There is also an app that you can download for free on smartphones and tablets.
For details, see NHK’s website: NHK WORLD https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/(J, E, C, K, V and 15 other languages.)

Basics /Ⅱ
Ⅱ. Daily Life / 10. Police boxes
A police box is a place where police officers are stationed in turns. The officers work to respondto various issues such as crime, and go on patrols to help protect the safety of local residents. If
you are the victim of a crime, or have lost your possessions, etc., you can talk to the police
officers in the police box about it. It is best to know where your local police box is.

Basics / II. Daily life / 11. Neighborhood associations
A neighborhood association is a volunteer organization that carries out activities to promotemutual aid and friendly relationships within the neighborhood. You can get to know your neighbors
by participating in these activities. (Membership fees vary by association, but are used for things
such as neighborhood beautification, disaster drills, and recreational activities.)
When you join your neighborhood association, you will receive information such as:① Newsletters from Sendai City and Miyagi Prefecture (Sendai City Newsletter, Miyagi
Prefecture News)② Information on various events hosted by the neighborhood association

Basics / II. Daily life / 12. Taxes, pension, and welfare●Taxes●All people living in Japan, regardless of nationality, must pay taxes. There are many different
types of taxes.
(Examples) Income tax, inhabitant tax (refers to the combined municipal tax and prefectural tax),
consumption tax (including local consumption tax), light vehicle tax, automobile tax, etc.
●Paying inhabitant tax when you leave Japan●
All residents of Japan must pay inhabitant tax to the city, town or village in which they resided asof January 1 of the given year. Taxes are calculated based on your income in the previous year
(January 1-December 31) and must be paid even if you moved or returned to your country during
the year.
18

※ If your yearly income is below a certain level, you will be exempt from paying inhabitant tax.
When you return to your country, please either pay your taxes in advance or designate a tax
agent who can pay on your behalf.
●Pension●
If you live in Japan and are between the ages of 20 and 60, you must pay into a public pension.
There are two kinds of public pension. For details, please inquire at the National Health
Insurance and Pension Section of any ward office or a regional Pension Office.
・Employees’ pension
When you are employed by a company, you will enroll into the employees’ pension at work.
Payments will be deducted from your paycheck.
・National pension
If you are not enrolled in employees’ pension, you must enroll in national pension.
※ If you neglect your pension payments you may not be able to update your status of residence※ Lump-sum withdrawal payments
If you have paid insurance fees for six months or more, and have returned to your country
without receiving the pension money that you paid, you can still receive the payout
afterwards. You can acquire the invoice form at your regional pension office before returning
to your country or from the Japan Pension Service website, and you must claim and send theinvoice by post within two years of returning to your home country. For details on
documentation and things to keep in mind, please see the Japan Pension Service website.
Information about lump-sum withdrawal payments for mid to long-term foreign
residents (available in E, C, K, V, Portuguese, Spanish and 8 other languages):
https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/japanese-system/withdrawalpayment/
payment.html (You can choose your preferred language on this webpage)●Welfare services●
Disability welfare services are also available for persons with physical, mental or intellectual
disabilities or intractable diseases, as well as health and welfare services for the elderly. For
details, please inquire at the Disabled and Senior Citizens Welfare Section of each ward office.
＊Sendai Multicultural Center Interpretation Support Hotline

19(TEL: 022-224-1919)＊＊

Basics / III. Health / 1. Health check-ups
Residents of Sendai City may take citizen health check-ups provided by the City.
For details, please see the International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
Top>Information in Foreign Languages>Health・Medical treatment>Medical examination (J, E, C, K)

Basics / III. Health / 2. Hospitals
Japan has large, well-equipped hospitals (general hospitals) and local, everyday clinics andhospitals. When you are not feeling well, please visit your local clinic/hospital first.
※ General hospitals may require a letter of introduction before you can schedule an appointment.
●Going to a hospital/clinic●① Call the clinic/hospital before you go, and make an appointment if necessary.
② Take your health insurance card (※) with you to the clinic/hospital. Hand it in at the reception
desk.
※ If you do not bring your health insurance card, you will be charged the full amount for yourvisit, even if you have health insurance.
※ Hand in your health insurance card at the reception desk the first time you visit a clinic/hospitaland again if you were to visit at the beginning of a month.
③ The first time you visit a hospital/clinic, you will have to fill out a medical questionnaire. When
you are finished, give it to the receptionist. A medical questionnaire is a sheet of questions todetermine your state of health.
You can download a multilingual medical questionnaire athttps://www.kifjp.org/medical/ (This sheet was created by Kanagawa International
Foundation and International Community Hearty Konandai in 23 languages.)④ When you are called, enter the examination room.
⑤ Pay the consultation fee. If you need medication, you will receive a prescription.
⑥ If you have received a prescription, bring it to a pharmacy to buy the medication.
Those who need assistance finding information about doctors and staff who can speak
foreign languages at hospitals, dentist offices, etc., or need help making an appointment
should contact the Sendai Multicultural Center:(TEL: 022-224-1919 E-mail: tabunka@sentia-sendai.jp).
●Health insurance system and insurance cards●
Residents of Japan must enroll in one of the following two insurance programs. When you enroll,
you will receive an insurance card. If you do not enroll, you will be charged the full amount for
any visits to the doctor. (If you have health insurance, you pay 30%.)① Social Insurance (Employee Insurance)… If you are employed, your employer willcomplete the procedure for enrollment. Insurance fees will be deducted from your pay.
20

② National Health Insurance… If you do not have social insurance, you will enroll in thisprogram. Enroll at your ward office. (Bring your residence card, passport, and bank cashcard).
For details, please see the International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
Top>Information in Foreign Languages>Daily Life>National Health Insurance Guidebook(J, E, C, K)

Basics / IV. Children / 1. Pregnancy, childbirth and babies●If you are pregnant●Submit a Notification of Pregnancy to your ward’s Public Health and Welfare Center or the Public
Health and Welfare Section of any general branch.
① You will receive a Maternal and Child Health Handbook (J, E, C, K, V, N, and 5 otherlanguages)
・A booklet in which you record the progress of your pregnancy, the growth of your baby, andother information.
② You will also receive a supplementary booklet (for expecting and nursing mothers)
which includes items such as vouchers for health check-ups for pregnant persons.
・You can use these subsidized vouchers to receive up to 14 pregnancy check-ups at registered
medical institutions.
・ After giving birth, you can have up to two postpartum check-ups at registered medical
institutions.
③ Health classes are available
・Parenting classes for pregnant persons and their families are held at Public Health and Welfare
Centers.
●Childbirth Assistance Program●This system helps low income individuals who cannot afford fees associated with giving birth, byoffering affordable options that matches their income. Eligibility depends on a household’s tax
exemption status. Consultation with the ward office of the area in which you reside is available.
じょうほう

けんこう

For details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life Information>健康と
ふ く し

こ そ だ

わかもの

こ そ だ

し さ く

かくしゅ

福祉 Health and Welfare>子育て・若者 Child-rearing/Youth>子育て施策 Child-rearing Policies>各種
し え ん

じょせい

きゅうふ

にんしん

しゅっさん

かん

支援・助成・給付 Support/Subsidies/Benefits>妊娠・出 産 に関するサポート Support Related to
じょさん せ い ど

Pregnancy/Giving Birth>助産制度 Childbirth Assistance Program (J)●When your baby is born●
Submit a Notification of Delivery to your ward office within 14 days. You will receive a lump-sum
allowance for childbirth. If you have National Health Insurance, apply for the allowance when
you submit your notification to your ward’s Public Health and Welfare Center, National Health
Insurance and Pension Section of the Miyagi General Branch, or the Public Health and Welfare
Section of the Akiu General Branch. If you have Employee Insurance (Social Insurance), makeyour application through your workplace.
Please also fill out the Delivery Contact Information Form in your Maternal and Child Health
Handbook supplementary booklet (for expectant and nursing mothers) and send it to your Public
Health and Welfare Center as soon as possible. (You will be sent vouchers for health check-ups
21

for your child, and a supplementary booklet (for infants) with vaccination tickets for your child).
Additionally, foreign national couples (excluding couples where one of the spouse is a Japanesenational) must apply for acquiring status of residence for their newborn child.
The application must be filed at the immigration bureau that has jurisdiction over your domicile
within 30 days from the date of birth. If you intend to leave Japan within 60 days from the dateof birth, it is not necessary to submit an application for a status of residence for your child.
Childbirth and Child-rearing Guide
Provides explanations regarding pregnancy, child birth, and child-rearing.
International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/child/e/ (J, E, C, K)●What to do when your child is sick●＊In case of emergency, please visit a hospital listed on page 1.
International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website: Top>Information in Foreign
Languages>Child, Families>What to Do When Your Child is Sick (J, E, C, K)●Health check-ups for babies●
You can receive up to three free health check-ups for your baby at registered medical
institutions using the forms found in the Maternal and Child Health Handbook supplementary
booklet (for infants).
じょうほう

けんこう

For details, please see the Sendai City website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life Information>健康
ふ く し

こ そ だ

わかもの

こ そ だ

し さ く

けんこう

と福祉 Health and Welfare>子育て・若者 Child-rearing/Youth>子育て施策 Child-rearing Policies>健康
こけんこうにゅうじけんこうしんさ

げつじ

げつじ

げつじ

Health>お子さんの健康 Health of Your Child>乳児健康診査（2か月児・4～5か月児・8～9か月児）
Health Check-ups for Infants (two-month olds, four to five-month olds, eight to nine-month olds)(J)＊The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen.

Basics / IV. Children / 2. Toddlers●Immunization for children●
In order for your child to stay healthy, immunization is necessary. The predetermined gaps
between when vaccines are received take immunity building into consideration, so please follow
the immunization schedule.
If your child has received vaccines in countries other than Japan, consultations with each ward
office are available so as to ensure that the child receives all the necessary vaccines. For more
じょうほう

けんこう

ふ く し

details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life Information>健康と福祉
けんこう

いりょう

かんせんしょうじょうほう

よ ぼ う せっしゅ

Health and Welfare> 健康 ・ 医療 Health and Medical Care> 感染症 情 報 ・予防接種 Information on
よ ぼ う せっしゅ

よ ぼ う せっしゅ ぜんぱんこ

Infectious Diseases/ Vaccinations>予防接種 Vaccinations >予防接種全般 All Vaccinations> 子ども のよ ぼ う せっしゅ

せっしゅたいしょうねんれい

せっしゅ かんかく

予防接種の接種 対 象 年齢と接種間隔 Vaccination Ages and Schedule for Children (J)●Child allowance●
This is money that those raising children can receive from the City. Those who live in Sendai andare raising children that are any age from newborns to children that have yet to graduate from22

junior high school can receive the allowance. Please apply within 15 days from the day following
your child’s birth or the date you moved into Sendai. If you apply late, you may not receive theallowance for that month, so please apply in good time.
じょうほう

けんこう

For more details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life Information>健康
ふ く し

こ そ だ

わかもの

こ そ だ

し さ く

かくしゅ

と福祉 Health and Welfare>子育て・若者 Child-rearing/Youth>子育て施策 Child-rearing Policies>各種
し え ん

じょせい

きゅうふ

こ そ だ

ちゅう

かた

支援・助成・給付 Support/Subsidies/Benefits>子育て 中 の方 へのサポート Support for Child-rearing
じ ど う て あ てIndividuals>児童手当 Child Allowance(J・E・C・K)●Sending your child to nursery school●
If you are unable to take care of your child due to work, school, sickness, or pregnancy, you canhave your child cared for at a nursery school. This service is available for children ranging fromapproximately four months old to until they enter elementary school. There are two kinds ofnursery schools available: those that are authorized by Sendai City, and those that are not.
Applications for authorized nursery schools should be made to the Childcare Benefit Section of
the ward office in the ward where your first-choice nursery is located, or the Public Health andWelfare Section of the Miyagi General Branch. For unlicensed nursery schools, applications
should be made directly to the facility.
●Authorized nursery schools【Hours】】※ Vary according to the school
Usually from 7:00 or 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 or 6:30 p.m.
※ Extended hours also available.
※ Lunch is served in the afternoon (children ages three and over may be required to bring theirown rice or bread). You must drop off and pick up your child at the school. Nursery school fees
are determined based on factors such as each household’s inhabitant tax. (Nursery school fees
are free of charge for 3-year-old classes to 5-year-old classes.)
Nursery School Enrollment Information is available on the International Relations
Department section of SenTIA’s website: Top>Information in Foreign Languages>
Child, Family>Enrollment Procedure for Childcare Facilities and Services (J, E, C, K)
じょうほう

For more information, see the Sendai City website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life Information>
けんこう

ふ く し

こ そ だ

わかもの

こ そ だ

し さ く

健康と福祉 Health and Welfare>子育て・若者 Child-rearing/Youth>子育て施策 Child-rearing Policies>
ていきてき

り よ う

きょういく

ほ い く

とう

あずける Drop Off>定期的に利用する教 育 ・保育サービス等 Regular Education/Child Care Services>
ようちえん

ほ い く し せ つ など

り よ う もうしこみ

ほ い く し せ つ など

り よ う

幼稚園・保育施設等の利用 申 込 について Applying to Nurseries and Kindergartens >保育施設等の利用
き ぼ うを希望されるみなさまへ To Those who Wish to Use Childcare Facilities (J)※ The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the page
Other services offered by nursery schools※ Apply directly to the nursery school① Temporary childcare A temporary childcare service for guardians who are working or ill.
② Childcare services
A childcare service for guardians who must work or are otherwise
on holidays
unable to take care of their children on Sundays or holidays.
●Unlicensed childcare facilities
For information on the services provided by unlicensed childcare facilities, please contact thefacility directly. As long as certain conditions are fulfilled, you can receive payment from the Cityof Sendai equal to the amount of childcare fees under the maximum amount limit.
じょうほう

For a list of unlicensed childcare facilities, see the Sendai City website*: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報
こ そ だ

わかもの

こ そ だ

しさく

Life Information>子育て・若者 Child-rearing/Youth> 子育て施策 Child-rearing Policies>あずける Drop
ていきてき

り よ う

きょういく

ほ い く

とう

にんかがいほ い く し せ つ

Off>定期的に利用する教 育 ・保育サービス等 Regular Education/Childcare Services>認可外保育施設
23

に ん か が い ほ い く し せ つ いちらん

Unlicensed Childcare Facilities>認可外保育施設一覧 List of Unlicensed Childcare Facilities (J)※ The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen.
※ Unlicensed childcare facilities may also offer childcare at night or on holidays. Contact thechildcare facility directly to apply for entry.
●Sending your child to kindergartens●
Children from three years of age until they enter elementary school are eligible to enroll inkindergarten. Apply directly to the kindergarten you wish to enroll your child in. Manykindergartens accept applications for April enrollment beginning in November of the previous
year. Nursery school fees within the upper limit are free of charge.
●Sending your child to authorized centers for early childhood education and care●
These facilities serve the functions of both a nursery school and a kindergarten. They provide
childcare for children under three years old, and education and childcare for children from age
three until they enter elementary school. They also provide child-rearing support for households
raising children in the neighborhood. Nursery school fees are determined based on eachhousehold’s inhabitant tax and other circumstances. (Nursery school fees are free of charge for
3-year-old classes to 5-year-old classes).
※ Age of enrollment varies by the facility, so please inquire directly at the facility where you wish
じょうほう

to enroll your child. For details, see the Sendai City website: ホーム Top>くらしの情 報 Life
けんこう

ふ く し

わかもの

こ そ だ

こ そ だ

し さ く

Information>健康 と福祉 Health and Welfare>子育て ・若者 Child-rearing/Youth>子育て施策 Childていきてきrearing Policies> あ ず け る

り よ う

きょういく

ほ い く

とう

Drop Off> 定期的 に 利用 す る 教 育 ・ 保育 サ ー ビ ス 等 Regular
ようちえん

ほ い く し せ つ など

り よ う もうしこみ

Education/Childcare Services>幼稚園・保育施設等の利用 申 込 について Applications for Kindergartens
ようちえん

にんてい

えん

り よ う

き ぼ う

and Nursery Facilities>幼稚園・認定こども園の利用を希望されるみなさまへ For Those Who Would
Like to Use Children’s Facilities (J)※ The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen●Sending your children to regional child daycare services●
These are comparatively small childcare facilities aimed at children aged three and under.
Applications must be completed in the same way as those for authorized nursery schools.
●Places where parent and child can play together (Nobisuku)●Child-rearing Fureai Plazas (Nobisuku) are facilities that aim to provide child-rearing support for
infants, toddlers and their families. Parents and their children can play for free in the “plaza” andconsult the staff about child-rearing. Parents can also make use of the paid service “temporary
childcare” if their child is within the age range of 6 months old and pre-elementary school age.
The days and hours of operation differ across facilities. To use the service, one must register asa member and submit an application beforehand.
じょうほう

けんこう

For details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの情報 Life Information>健康と
ふ く し

こ そ だ

こ そ だ

わかもの

しさく

福祉 Health and Welfare> 子育 て ・ 若者 Child-rearing/Youth> 子育て施策 Child-rearing
まな

で

お や こ

つ か

し せ つ

Policies>学ぶ・出かける Learning and Outings>親子で使える施設・スペース Parent and Child
Friendly Spaces>のびすく Nobisuku (Child-rearing Fureai Plazas, etc.) (J)24

●Visiting a children’s center●
These are facilities that provide children with toys and a place to play. All children ages 0 to 17
are welcome.
じょうほう

けんこう

For details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの 情 報 Life Information>健康
ふくし

こそだ

わかもの

こ そ だ

しさく

と 福祉 Health and Welfare> 子育 て ・ 若者 Child-rearing/Youth> 子育て施策 Child-rearing
まな

で

おやこ

つか

しせつ

Policies>学ぶ・出かける Learning and Outing>親子で使える施設・スペース Parent and Child
じどうかん

じどうかん

じどう

Friendly Spaces>児童館 Children’s Halls>児童館・児童センター Children’s Halls/Centers (J)※ The Sendai City website has an auto-translate function. Please select a language from the“Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen※ When you are unsure of how to apply for nursery schools or other childcare facilities…
・You can consult the Sendai Multicultural Center.
・You use the free “tsukibo” volunteer service provided by the foreigner support
association, OASIS (see page 35 for details).
＊Sendai Multicultural Center Interpretation Support Hotline (TEL: 022-224-1919)＊＊

Basics / IV. Children / 3. School●Sending your child to Sendai municipal elementary and junior high schools●
Apply at the School Affairs Section of the Sendai City Board of Education.
•The school your child will attend is determined by where you live.
•There is no tuition fee. School lunch fees, education material fees and other fees apply.
•Classes are conducted in Japanese.
※ If your period of stay is short (less than two months) you can apply for temporary enrollment.
For details, contact: School Affairs Section, Sendai City Board of Education
TEL: 022-214-8860
Simple explanation about Japanese elementary schools, junior high schools,
and school life in Japan●Japanese Elementary Schools
International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/child/school/e/pdf/English_JES.pdf(J, E, C, K, V, N, Tagalog)●Japanese Junior High Schools
International Relations Department section of SenTIA’s website:
https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/e/download/information/japanese_jhs_e.pdf(J, E, C, K, V, N, Tagalog)※ These materials are distributed for free at the Sendai Multicultural Center25

●Support and activities for students and parents whose first language is not Japanese●
Service/Organization

Description of activities

Inquiries

Language support for

Dispatching aides to support students

Educational Supervision

returnees and foreign

during classes at Sendai municipal

Section, Board ofchildren in Japaneseelementary and junior high schools

Educationschools

TEL: 022-214-8875

Foreign Residents’Support for children’s Japanese studies,

OfficeChild Support Groupschool studies, and volunteer training

TEL: 090-2793-8899

SAT Nihongo ClubA children’s study support club that

Aoba Ward Chuomeets every Saturday in small group

Shimin (Civic) Centersettings

TEL: 022-263-5010

Children with Roots

Dispatching of volunteer interpreters

SenTIA

Abroad Support

and coordinators to schools, hosting

TEL: 022-268-6260

Consultation Desktraining seminars for citizens and people Sendai Multicultural
who provide support, etc.

Center, Sendai
International Center
TEL: 022-265-2471

Summer school

A program where children can enjoy

SenTIA

studying with volunteers during summer

TEL: 022-268-6260

vacation
Career guidance

An information session for elementary

SenTIAand junior high school students who

TEL: 022-268-6260

wish to enroll in high school in Japanand their parents●International schools in Sendai●
Tohoku International School

TEL: 022-348-2468

Horizon Academy Sendai Campus

TEL: 022-739-9622

Tohoku Korean Primary and Junior High School

TEL: 022-229-2131

Miyagi Career Guidebook for Children and Parents who are Non-Native Japanese
Speakers
Provides detailed explanations on the Japanese education system,high school, and high school entrance exams
https://shinro-miyagi.jimdofree.com/english/(J, E, C, K, V, N, Tagalog, Spanish)※ You can get this booklet for free at the Sendai Multicultural Center.

26

Basics / V. Transportation / 1. Public transportation●Buses●Buses in Sendai include Sendai City buses and Miyagi Kotsu buses.
How to ride the bus
a)
In Sendai, you board the bus from the middle and get off
from the front door. When paying by cash, please take a①

ticket from ① as shown on the left. When using IC cards,
such as icsca, please tap your card in the location as shown
by ②.

②

b)

When you hear the name of the bus stop you would liketo get off at, please push one of the buttons inside of the bus.

c)

Pay your bus fee when you get off the bus. When paying withcash, first put the ticket and then the displayed amount into ③.
If you need change, put money in ④ before you disembark.
③

The change dispenser only accepts 1,000 yen notes, 500,
100, and 50 yen coins.
When using IC cards, please touch your card on ⑤.
※ If the funds on your IC card is low, you can recharge your④

card on the bus. Please ask the bus driver (you will notreceive change)⑤

27

●Subway●
There are two Sendai Subway lines (Namboku Line and Tozai Line).
●Purchasing commuter passes (tickets which allow someone to get on and off at
designated areas for as many times as needed, within a specific time period) and icsca
cards●
You can purchase a commuter pass at places such as ticket machines inside subway stations.
At counters selling commuter passes you can also purchase one-day passes, which can be used
to get on and off of buses and the subway for as many times as needed within a day.
icsca cards can also be purchased at subway station ticket machines.
For details, please call the Transportation Bureau Information Center.
Sendai City Buses and
SubwayMiyagi Kotsu Buses

Transportation Bureau Information Center
TEL: 022-222-2256 (J)https://www.kotsu.city.sendai.jp/ (J, E)
Miyagi Kotsu Headquarters

TEL: 022-771-5310

North-bound: Tomiya Office

TEL: 022-358-9031

South-bound: Sendai Office

TEL: 022-243-2131(Lost and found)(Lost and found)
Sendai Station Lost and Found Center TEL: 022-227-0255

JR EastJR East Info Line

TEL: 050-2016-1603(E, C, K)●JR trains●

JR train tickets can be purchased at travel agencies as well as train stations.
●Long-distance buses●
Long-distance buses run between Sendai and other cities. For example, there is a bus from
Sendai to Tokyo that takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes. Reservations are required. For details,
please contact the respective bus companies.
●Taxis●Most taxis can seat 5, including the driver. If the light on the passenger side of the windshieldくうしゃ

reads 空車 (kuusha/empty car), raise your hand to stop the taxi. The back door on the left-handside opens automatically, so you just need to wait until it opens.
Make sure to check the base fare, which is displayed on the side window on the left (same side
as where you board the taxi). The fare rises in proportion to the time and distance, so it will
increase even when the taxi is stopped in front of a traffic light or stuck in a traffic jam. There isa surcharge between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
If you cannot speak Japanese, give the driver a note with your destination written on it.
＊Sendai Multicultural Center Interpretation Support Hotline
28(TEL: 022-224-1919)＊＊

Basics / V. Transportation / 2. Cars, motorcycles and bicycles●Driving a car or motorcycle in Japan●
You must have a Japanese driver’s license or an International Driver’s Permit. There are two
ways to obtain a Japanese license:
・Convert a driver’s license from a foreign country
・Take a written test (J, E, C, V), an aptitude test, and a driving test
●Converting a foreign license●
Prior reservation (calling beforehand) is required before the application process (reviewing
documents) can begin.
Driver’s License Center TEL: 022-373-3601 (ext. 275) / Weekdays 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
・You must have lived in the country that issued your license forat least three months after it was issued.
※ Your passport will be used to check your period of stay in theConditions

Converting
a foreigncountry that issued your passport after your driver’s license
issuance. If the exit/entry stamp or other information cannot be
used to check when you departed the country, other evidence
will be required (graduation certificate, certificate of
employment, tax payment certificates, etc.).
・Your foreign license must not be expired.
・Your current address must be in Miyagi Prefecture.
・Application form for driver’s license (available at the Driver’s
License Center)
・One 3 x 2.4 cm, black-and-white or color photograph of yourlicenseWhat youwill need

Otherface. You must not be wearing a hat, the photo must have aplain background, and your teeth must not be showing.
・A copy of your resident record (issued at ward offices)※ This must include your nationality (not required for those witha Japanese license.) You can obtain this at your ward office.
For more information on resident records, see page 6.
・Your foreign driver’s license
・Your passport (all passports if you have old ones)・Your Japanese driver’s license (if you have one)
・A Japanese translation of your foreign driver’s license (*1)
Depending on the country that issued your license, you might only
need to take the aptitude test (eye exam, etc.), or you might needto also take a written test (available in multiple languages) and adriving test. You must pay the test fee even if you do not pass. If
you are unable to speak Japanese you must bring an interpreter
along with you when taking the test.

(*1) Some countries offer translation services at their embassies or consulates. You can also
contact JAF which offers paid translation service. For details, either refer to the JAF website or29inquire via the following number (TEL: 022-783-2826; weekdays 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)●Registering your car or motorcycle●
If you own a car or motorcycle, you must register it. Contact the store where you bought thevehicle or one of the organizations below.
Tohoku District Transport Bureau

Regular cars

TEL: 050-5540-2011

Miyagi Transportation Branch Office

Light automobile/Kei cars

Motorcycles 126cc and above

Light Motor Vehicle Inspection
Organization Miyagi Office

TEL: 050-3816-1830

Tohoku District Transport Bureau
Miyagi Transportation Branch

TEL: 050-5540-2011

OfficeTaxation and Accounting Section of the ward office/Motorcycles 125cc and below

Taxation and Resident Registration Section of the generalbranch where the motorcycle’s primary parking space islocated.

●Bicycles●
・Register your bicycle to prevent theft, and be sure to get it inspected and keep it well maintained.
・Do not park your bicycle on the street—use a designated bicycle parking area. If you park in anarea where parking is prohibited, your bicycle may be confiscated, and you will have to pay a
fee in order to get your bicycle back.
※ For a map of bicycle parking areas, see:https://www.city.sendai.jp/jitenshataisaku/kurashi/machi/kotsu/jitensha/churinjo/map.html (J, E)●Please obey Japanese traffic regulations●・Bicycles and all other vehicles use the left side of the road. Pedestrians (people walking) are to
walk on the right side of the road.
・Bicycles may be ridden on pedestrian pathways if the path is signposted/marked as shown
below.
・You should not drive a vehicle, including bicycles, after consuming alcohol.
・In “Sendai City’s Ordinace on Bicycle Safety,” the city defines the rules that bicyle users mustabide by. For detailed information, check the Sendai City website:
https://www.city.sendai.jp/jitensha/foreign.html (J, E, C, K, V, N)
Image source:“Do you know thetraffic rules for
cycling? Are you
following them?”(Public Relations
Office –Government ofJapan)

Road marking【Bicycles】

Traffic sign (designated forbicycles and pedestrians)

・When riding on the sidewalk, pedestrians are prioritized, and cyclists must stay close to the30

road and cycle slowly.
・It is against regulations to use your mobile phone for phone
calls or otherwise, to use an umbrella, or to hang things on yourhandlebars, while riding a bicycle.
・You must not wear headphones or earphones whileriding a bicycle.
・You must not ride side by side or have two people ride on thesame bicycle at once.
・Be sure to wear a helmet and protect your head.
・You must turn on the light of the bicycle when it is dark.
※ Those who have been caught violating regulations two or
more times by the police within a three year period must attend
a training course.
【Cars】
・You must wear a seatbelt regardless of which seat you sit in.
・Children under the age of 6 must use a booster seat in the car.
【Motorcycles】
・You must wear a helmet.
「Traffic safety guide for pedestrians and cyclists in Japan」」
https://www.npa.go.jp/koutsuu/kikaku/trafficsafety/traffic_safety_english.pdf (E)https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/document/06_traffic_safety_cn.pdf (C)https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/document/07_traffic_safety_kr.pdf (K)https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/document/05_traffic_safety_pt.pdf (Portuguese)
You can purchase a book about Japanese traffic rules (E, C).
For details, please contact: JAF (TEL: 022-783-2826)

Road signs

Dead end

No entry

Only designateddirections permitted
31

No overtaking

No stoppingor parking

No parking

Speed limit(50km/h)Bicycles only

Pedestrians

Two-step turnrequired formopedsStop

No crossing

only

Bicycles andpedestrians only

School/kindergarten/
nursery

Multilingual Traffic Safety DVD
Provides simple explanations on how to ride bicycles safely,
what to do if you get into an accident and more, in 5 different languages.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MurfsFk8CZ4(J, E, C, V, N)●Signing up for insurance●
If you injure someone after causing a traffic accident, you may be required to pay a large sum ofmoney.
If you own a car or motorcycle, you must sign up for liability insurance. Buying optional insurance
is also highly recommended. If you bought or were gifted a car, you must check whether it isinsured. You can apply at the dealership where you bought the car or directly with an insurancecompany. You must also enter into a bicycle liability insurance if you intend to ride a bicycle.
Insuring your bicycle is also useful if you were involved in an accident. There are a few kinds ofbicycle insurance, including a TS sticker that you can receive if you purchased insurance when
having your bicycle inspected and fixed at a bicycle shop (for a fee). Bicycle liability insurance
can also be purchased on the internet or at convenience stores. You can also have it added onas an additional insurance policy clause through automobile insurance or fire insurance.

32Basics / VI. WorkYou can work in Japan if your status of residence allows it and the nature of the work matches
the eligibilities outlined by your status of residence.
Employment agencies (registration required to use services)
Hello Work

Sendai MT Bldg. 4F, 4-2-3 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku

Sendai

TEL: 022-299-8819【Foreigners’ Employment Service Corner】】
Chinese consultation hours: Tuesday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
(excluding 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.)
English consultation hours: Thursday 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
(excluding 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m.)*Days and hours of operation are subject to change
Search for jobs online at https://www.hellowork.mhlw.go.jp/ (J)You can also search for jobs using the free pamphlets distributed at train stations andsupermarkets.
【Useful words for job-hunting】】
Shuro shikaku Document certifying that you are eligible to work in Japan.
shomeisho
Shikaku-gai
katsudoAuthorization necessary for you to be able to work a job that falls outside ofthe eligibilities outlined by your status of residence. This permit is necessary
even for international students who would like to work part-time jobs. For
details, see page 6.
A form (resumé) on which you outline your academic and work history, as

Shashin tsuki
rirekishowell as other information. It is submitted to companies or shops where you
wish to seek employment. It is necessary even when seeking part-time work.
You can learn how to fill out this form here:
https://www.tia.toyota.aichi.jp/jp-site/e-learning/(Toyota Nihongo e-learning: E, C, Portuguese, Spanish)※ In addition to a rirekisho, you may also need to submit a shokumu
keirekisho (CV).

Shorui senko

The process of potential employers reviewing your rirekisho in order todecide whether to hire you or not.

Mensetsu

A job interview. Your rirekisho will be used as a reference.

Job Hunting Guide for International Students
A guide created by the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) (J, E).
https://www.jasso.go.jp/ryugaku/after_study_j/job/guide.html
33

Other Information●Studying Japanese●
Japanese Classes and Study Programs in Sendai
Sendai Japanese

TEL: 022-268-6260 (SenTIA)

Language Course
Classes

Japanese Learners’
Room

TEL: 022-228-1190 (Yagiyama Citizen Center)
E-mail: yagiyama-siminc@hm-sendai.jp※ Childcare available

MIA Japanese

TEL: 022-275-3796

Language Course(Miyagi International Association (MIA))

Japanese Language

TEL: 022-268-6260 (SenTIA)

Volunteers
Smallgroups/Individual

Nihongo no Mori

E-mail: luzdeaki@gmail.com (Sasaki)

Moniwadai Nihongo

TEL: 022-392-1580

Salon※ You can bring your child along with you

Izumi Japanese Salon

TEL: 090-4312-5431

ICAS Japanese

E-mail: npo.icas@gmail.com

Language Course(International Citizens’ Association of Sendai, ICAS)●Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)The Japanese Language Proficiency Test is a test aimed at non-native speakers and is held
twice a year, once in July and once in December. Applications can be submitted online.
For more information see the JEES (Japanese Educational Exchanges and Services) website
Japanese Language Proficiency Test https://info.jees-jlpt.jp/ (J, E)●Scholarships for international students in Japan
In Japan, there are various scholarships on offer for exchange students. You can view apamphlet with a list of the main scholarships on offer from the Study in Japan informational
website below.
Pamphlets for scholarships for international students in Japan
https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/ja/planning/about-scholarship/(J)

https://www.studyinjapan.go.jp/en/planning/about-scholarship/

(E)

34

●Obtaining information●
Questions and consultations about daily life
Sendai Tourism,

English available. Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Convention and

Higashi Nihon Fudosan Sendai Ichibancho Bldg. 6F, 3-3-20

International

Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai

Association (SenTIA),

TEL: 022-268-6260

International Relations
Department

Fax: 022-268-6252

HP：https://int.sentia-sendai.jp/e/
X (Formerly Twitter)：https://twitter.com/SENTIA_info/
Facebook：https://www.facebook.com/sendai.sira/Sendai Multicultural

English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Portuguese,

CenterSpanish, Thai, Russian, Indonesian, Tagalog, Italian, French,
German, Malay, Khmer, Burmese, Mongolian, Sinhala, Hindi,
Bengali, and Ukrainian available.
Provides daily life consultations for foreign residents and offers
advice for multicultural community building.
Everyday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ※ Except during the year end andnew year holiday and maintenance days (one to two days per month)
TEL: 022-265-2471 FAX: 022-265-2472

Interpretation
Support Hotline

Interpretation Support Hotline

TEL: 022-224-1919

E-mail: tabunka@sentia-sendai.jp

Specialist

Free consultation and interpretation. Held periodically. Reservation

Consultations forrequired.

Foreign Residents

Specialists from the Miyagi Administrative Scrivener Association,
Sendai Bar Association, Sendai Regional Immigration Bureau,
Miyagi Labour Bureau, and Tohoku Tax Accountants’ Association areavailable for consultation.
TEL: 022-265-2471 (Sendai Multicultural Center)

OASIS (Open Assist& Support in Sendai)

Dispatches accompanying volunteers to help foreigners who findcommunication in Japanese difficult, or are not yet used to life inJapan by accompanying them on visits to public offices, privateorganizations, educational institutes, hospitals, etc.
TEL: 022-265-2471 (Inside Sendai Multicultural Center)

Miyagi International

English and Chinese available. Weekdays 8:30a.m.-5:15p.m.

Association (MIA)

Miyagi-ken Sendai Godochosha 7F, 4-17 TsutsumidoriAmamiyamachi, Aoba-ku, Sendai
TEL: 022-275-3796 https://mia-miyagi.jp/35Miyagi Support Center

Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog,

for Foreign Nationals

Indonesian, Nepali, Portuguese, Thai, Hindi, Spanish, and Russian(part of MIA)

available.
Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. ※ Unavailable on public holidays
and during year-end and New Year’s holiday
Consultation with other organizations is also available via three-way
phone calls (Miyagi International Association (MIA))
TEL: 022-275-9990

Support Hotline,

Phone consultations available in English, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog,

Foreign Language

Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese, Spanish, Nepali and Indonesian.

Specialist Line

(Availability of languages vary depending on the time of the day.)(General Incorporated① Consultation hotline (free dial) Daily 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Association Social

TEL: 0120-279-226 (for Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima Prefecture

Inclusion Support

only)

Center)(TEL: 0120-279-338 if calling from other regions)※ Press「2」after the phone guidance.
https://www.since2011.net/yorisoi/n2/② Online social media consultations
・Phone consultations using Facebook messenger
https://www.since2011.net/yorisoi/n2-sns/
・Comarigoto Information Dissemination (chat consultation)
https://comarigoto.jp/

Legal Affairs Bureau,

English, Chinese, Korean, Filipino, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali,

Foreign Language

Spanish, Indonesian and Thai available.

Human Rights

Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. TEL: 0570-090911

Consultation Line
Japan Legal

English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese,

Support Center,

Tagalog, Nepali, Thai and Indonesian available.

Multi-language

Weekdays 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. TEL: 0570-078377

Information Services※ IP phone・Prepaid phone(Hou terasu)

TEL: 050-3754-5430

https://www.houterasu.or.jp/multilingual/index.html

36

El Sola Sendai

Only available in Japanese (you may arrange and bring your own
interpreter)① Consultations for women
General consultations in person (reservations required)Monday, Wednesday- Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.,
Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. TEL: 022-268-8302
Telephone consultations

Monday, Wednesday -Saturday 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
TEL: 022-224-8702
Legal consultations with a lawyer (in person only) (prior

reservations and screening interview required)② Consultation desk for discrimination based on sex, etc.
Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. TEL: 022-268-8043
Sendai Tourist Information
Sendai Tourist

English available. Daily 8:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Information Center(December 31-January 3

9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)

JR Sendai Station 2F TEL: 022-222-4069
Informational booklets for foreigners
Information in ForeignMultilingual information related to topics such as daily life, disaster

Languages provided byrisk reduction, health and medical treatment, and child and family.

the City of Sendai andhttps://int.sentia-sendai.jp/e/information/(SenTIA)

SenTIA
Daily Life Support Portal

Multilingual information about topics including daily life and work forfor Foreign Nationals

foreign residents living in Japan and those who support them.

(Immigration Services

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/

Agency Website)(Immigration Services Agency, Ministry of Justice)37

●Contact information for the Prefectural Office, City Hall, and ward offices●
Miyagi Prefectural Office

3-8-1 Honcho, Aoba-ku

TEL: 022-211-2111

Sendai City Hall

3-7-1 Kokubuncho, Aoba-ku

TEL: 022-261-1111

Aoba Ward Office

1-5-1 Kamisugi, Aoba-ku

TEL: 022-225-7211

Izumi Ward Office2-1-1 Izumi-chuo, Izumi-ku

TEL: 022-372-3111

Taihaku Ward Office3-1-15 Nagamachi-minami, Taihaku-ku

TEL: 022-247-1111

Miyagino Ward Office

2-12-35 Gorin, Miyagino-ku

TEL: 022-291-2111

Wakabayashi Ward Office

3-1 Hoshuinmaecho, Wakabayashi-ku

TEL: 022-282-1111

Miyagi General Branch Office

5 Kannondo, Shimoayashi, Aoba-ku

TEL: 022-392-2111

Akiu General Branch Office45-1 Ohara, Nagafukuro, Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku
TEL: 022-399-2111●Public Facilities in Sendai City●
The following public facilities are located within Sendai City.
・Libraries
There are seven public libraries in Sendai City. Library card holders can borrow and makereservations for library materials. Libraries can be used for free.
For details, see the Sendai City Library website: https://lib-www.smt.city.sendai.jp/(J・E・C・K)
・Citizen Centers (Shimin Centers)
Citizen Centers are communal facilities where citizens can partake in grassroot activities andlifelong learning. Citizens can use these facilities to learn, interact, and promote
community building.
For details, see the Citizen Center User Guide: https://www.hm-sendai.jp/siminc/ (J)Besides from the aforementioned facilities, there are also other public facilities including parks,
cultural facilities, sports facilities, and more.
じょうほう

For details, see the City of Sendai website: ホーム Top>くらしの情報 Living Information>
し せ つ あんない

こうきょう し せ つ あんない

施設案内 Facility Guide>公共施設案内 Public Facility Guide※ The City of Sendai website has an auto-translate function.
Please select a language from the “Foreign Language” box in the top right corner of the screen.
In addition, the following facilities have entrance fee reductions or exemption schemes forinternational students and their families.
(1) Individuals residing in the City whose status of residence is “Student”(2) Individuals enrolled in universities/junior college/vocational
school/specialized training college located in Sendai City whose
Eligibility

status of residence is “Student”(3) Family members accompanying individuals who meet requirements(1) or (2)※ Published information is subject to change. For details, inquire at eachfacility directly.
38

How to redeem
Participating
facilities

Show your student ID and residence card at the reception of a facility
Address/Phone number/ Website

Sendai Yagiyama

1-43 Yagiyama Honcho, Taihaku-ku

Zoological Park

TEL：022-229-0631
https://www.city.sendai.jp/zoo/index.html

Sendai Literature

2-7-1 Kitane, Aoba-ku

Museum

TEL：022-271-3020
https://www.sendai-lit.jp/

Sendai City
Museum26 Kawauchi, Aoba-ku
TEL：022-225-3074
https://www.city.sendai.jp/museum/index.html

3M Sendai City

4-1 Dainohara Forest Park, Aoba-ku

Science Museum

TEL：022-276-2201
http://www.kagakukan.sendai-c.ed.jp/

Sendai9-29-32 Nishikigaoka, Aoba-ku

Astronomical

TEL：022-391-1300

Observatory

https://www.sendai-astro.jp/

Sendai City

1-3-7 Gorin, Miyagino-ku (Inside Tsutsujigaoka Park)

Museum of

TEL：022-295-3956

History andhttps://www.sendai-c.ed.jp/~bunkazai/~rekimin/index.html

Folklore
Sendai City War

2-12-1 Ohmachi, Aoba-ku

Reconstruction

TEL：022-263-6931

Memorial Hall

https://www.hm-sendai.jp/sisetu/sensai/index.html

Sendai City

4-3-1 Nagamachi-minami, Taihaku-ku

Tomizawa Site

TEL：022-246-9153

MuseumSendai City
Jomon Site Parkhttps://www.sendai-c.ed.jp/~bunkazai/~chiteinomori/10-1 Yamada-Uenodaicho, Taihaku-ku
TEL：022-307-5665
https://www.sendai-c.ed.jp/~bunkazai/~jyoumon/

Sendai City Akiu

5 Otaki, Baba Akiu-machi, Taihaku-ku

Otaki BotanicalTEL：022-399-2761

Gardenhttp://sendai-green-association.jp/green/akiu/

Sendai Wild

2-1-1 Mogasaki, Taihaku-ku

Plants Garden

TEL：022-222-2324(Yasoen)

http://sendai-green-association.jp/green/yasouen/
39

ゆび

かいわ

はい

指さし会話

Yes

Conversation Chart
あ

こうもく

いいえ
No

〇

×

ゆび

当てはまる項目を指でさしてください。
Point to what you would like to say.に ほ ん ごはなか

日本語が話せません/書けません。

わかります。

わかりません。

I can't speak/write Japanese.

I understand.

I don't know.

●GREETINGS

●あいさつ
わたし

もう

私 は～と 申 します。

ありがとうございます。

どういたしまして。

My name is ～.

Thank you.

You’re welcome.

ごめんなさい。

すみません。

I’m sorry.

Excuse me.

ねが● お願 い●REQUESTS

ねがたず

お 願 いします。/～をください。

お 尋 ねしたいのですが。

Please give me～～

Can I ask you a question?

いちど い

い

み

も う 一 度 言 っ て く ださ い 。

ゆっくり言ってください。

～ を 見 せ て く ださ い 。

Please say it again.

Please say it slowly.

Please show me～
～.

か

ほ

ま

それをここに書いてください。

ちょっと待ってください。

～ が 欲 し い で す。

Please write it down here.

Please wait a moment.

I want～
～.

まよ

いえ

つ

い

い

迷いました。（ 家 に/ここに）連れて行ってください。

～ へ 行 き た い です 。

I’m lost. Please take me home/ here.

I want to go to～
～.

40

しつもん

●質問

●QUESTIONS
ほけんしょう み ぶ ん しょうめいしょ ざいりゅう

保 険 証 /身分 証 明 書 / 在 留 カードはありますか？

Do you have a health insurance card/ID/residence card?
え い ご

はな

なん

ひと

英語を話す人はいますか？

これ/それ/あれは 何 ですか？

Is there anyone who speaks English?

What is this/it/that?

～はありますか？

これはいくらですか？

～はどこですか？

Do you have～～？

How much does this cost?

Where is～
～?

か

ち ず

げんざいち

どこで～を買えますか？

この地図で現在地はどこですか？

Where can I buy ～?

Where am I now on this map?

い

でんしゃ

ちかてつ

の

～に行くのにはどの（バス/ 電 車 /地下鉄）に乗ればいいですか？
Which (bus/train) should I take to go to ～?
い

お

じかん

～に行くにはどこで降りればいいですか？

どのくらい時間がかかりますか？

Where should I get off to go to ～?

How long does it take?

つぎでんしゃ ち か て ついなんじ

次 の（バス/ 電 車 /地下鉄)は何時ですか？

～へはどう行けばよいですか？

What time does the next (bus/train) leave?

How can I get to～
～?

しつもん

こた

●質問の答え●ANSWERSちか

ち ず

この 近 くにはありません。

（地図で）ここです。

There isn't one near here.

You are here (on the map).

うんてんしゅ えきいん てんいん ほか

ひとき

こちら/あちらです。

（ 運 転 手 / 駅 員 / 店 員 / 他 の 人 ）に聞いてください。

Over here/there.

Please ask (the driver/a station officer/a store

でんしゃ

clerk/someone else).
ちかてつ

い（バス/ 電 車 /地下鉄/タクシー）で行かなければいけません。
You need to take a (bus/train/taxi) to get there.

41

たす

きゅうきゅうしゃ

助けてください！

救 急 車 を呼んでください！

Help!

Please call an ambulance!

びょういん●HOSPITAL

●病 院
たいちょう

い

びょういん

体 調 はどうですか？

どう き

病 院 に行きたいです。

Are you feeling ok?
あたま

よ

いた

I want to go to a

I have heart

hospital.

palpitations.

は頭 が痛いです。

けい た

吐き気がします。

お な か が痛 い で す 。

I feel sick.

I have a stomachache.

I have a headache.
げ動悸がします。

り

めまいがします。

下痢をしています。

アレルギーがあります。

I feel dizzy.

I have diarrhea.

I have an allergy.

たんごちょう●VOCABULARY●単語帳
し やくしょ

く やくしょしゅつにゅうこくかんりきょく

びょういん

市役所

区役所

出 入 国 管理局

病院

City Hall

Ward office

Immigration Bureau

Hospital

ゆうびんきょく

ぎんこう

郵便局

銀行

Post Office
も

よ

こうしゅう

A TM

Bank

ATM

て あら

公 衆 ト イ レ （お 手 洗 い ）Public washroom

えきえき

ち か て つ

てい

最寄り駅

駅

地下鉄

バス停

The nearest station

StationSubwayBus stop

スーパーマーケット

ドラッグストア

コンビニエンスストア

Supermarket

Drug store

Convenience store

せんだい た ぶ ん か きょうせい

仙台多文化 共 生 センター

つうやく

でんわ

通訳サポート電話（TEL：022-224-1919）

Sendai Multicultural Center Interpretation Support Hotline TEL: 022-224-1919
42

せんだいしゅうへんろせんず

仙台周辺路線図 Sendai area transportation
南北線

なんぼくせん

まつしまえきまつしまかいがんえき

松島駅
MATSUSHIMA
八乙女駅
STN.
YAOTOME STN.
や

松島海岸駅
MATSUSHIMA
KAIGAN STN.

おとめ えきくろまつえき黒松駅
KUROMATSU STN.
あさひがおかえき

旭ヶ丘駅
ASAHIGAOKA STN.

ほんしおがまえき

本塩釜駅
HON-SHIOGAMA STN.

だいのはらえき

台原駅
DAINOHARA STN.

~~

きたせんだいえき

北仙台駅
KITA-SENDAI STN.

きたよばんちょうえき

せんざんせん松島
MATSUSHIMA

泉中央駅
IZUMI-CHUO STN.

NANBOKU LINE

とうほくふくしだいまええき

東北福祉大前駅

く に み え き

国見駅

KUNIMI STN.

さくなみえき

作並駅

SAKUNAMI STN.

やまでらえき

山寺駅

YAMADERA STN.

TOHOKU FUKUSHIDAI-MAE STN.

まつしま

いずみちゅうおうえき

北四番丁駅
KITA-YOBANCHO STN.

JR 仙山線
JR SENZAN
LINE

こうとうだいこうえんえき

勾当台公園駅
KOTODAI-KOEN STN.

とうほくほんせん

JR 東北本線
JR TOHOKU
LINE

ひろせどおりえき

広瀬通駅
HIROSE-DORI STN.

せんだいえき仙台駅
SENDAI STN.

ん

せ
ざい

あ ら い え き

荒井駅

せんだいくうこうえき

仙台空港駅

SENDAI AIRPORT STN.

せん

仙台空港アクセス線
SENDAI AIRPORT LINE

めえき

せんだいくうこう

ARAI STN.

JR 東北本線 又は JR 常磐線
JR TOHOKU LINE or JR JOBAN LINE

ろくちょう

じょうばんせん

名取駅
NATORI STN.

えき

とうほくほんせん また

なとりえき

六丁の目駅

とみざわえき富沢駅
TOMIZAWA STN.

もり

ながまちみなみえき

長町南駅
NAGAMACHI-MINAMI STN.

み た ぞ の え き
ROKUCHONOME STN.
おろしまちえき
美田園駅
卸町駅
MITAZONO STN.

NAGAMACHI STN.

杜せきのした駅

長町駅

OROSHIMACHI STN.

ながまちえきやくしどうえき長町一丁目駅NAGAMACHI-ITCHOME STN.

MORISEKINOSHITA STN.

ながまちいっちょうめえき

薬師堂駅

河原町駅
KAWARAMACHI STN.

YAKUSHIDO STN.

かわらまちえき

れんぼうえきREMBO STN.

愛宕橋駅
ATAGO-BASHISTN.

JR 仙石線
JR SENSEKI LINE
連坊駅

あたごばしえきみやぎのどおりえき

五橋駅
ITSUTSUBASHI STN.

宮城野通駅

いつつばしえき

せんせきせんMIYAGINO-DORI
STN.

あおばどおりいちばんちょうえき

青葉通一番町駅

おおまちにしこうえんえき

えき

AOBA-DORI ICHIBANCHO STN.

大町西公園駅

こくさい

OMACHI NISHI-KOEN STN.

かわうちえきINTERNATIONAL CENTER STN.

川内駅

あおばやまえきKAWAUCHI STN.

青葉山駅

やぎやまどうぶつこうえんえき

AOBAYAMA STN.

YAGIYAMA ZOOLOGICAL PARK STN.

八木山動物公園駅

国際センター駅

線
東西 LINE
I
A
TOZ
とう

せんだいくうこう

仙台空港
SENDAIAIRPORT