Kumamoto
Living
Guidebook
日本語
English中文한국어Tieng Viet
TagalogCompiled by :the Kumamoto International Association

Table of Contents
Ⅰ．Things to Do upon Arrival in
Japan …………………………………… 2
Ⅱ．Transportation
Ⅲ．Work………………… 8…………………………… 13

Ⅳ．Illness and Injuries ………… 14
Ⅴ．Child-rearing and Education … 16
Ⅵ．Disaster and Emergency
Preparation ………………………… 20
Ⅶ．Consultation and Questions … 221

Ⅰ

Ⅰ．Things to do Upon Arrivalin JapanPlease use this guidebook as a checklist to ensure you areprepared for life in Japan
Residence Card
You must carry your Residence Card with you at all times.
(With the exception of those under 16 years of age).
【 Front 】【Back 】

Immigration Oﬃce (http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/)2Resident Registration
Foreign residents who are staying in Japan for 3 months ormore are required to register their address with their wardoﬃce.
〇 Upon Entering Japan
Once you know where you will be living, bring your Residence
Card to your ward oﬃce/city hall within 14 days to complete theregistration procedures.
*Please bring your passport with you if you did not receive your Residence
Card at the airport. It will be sent to you after completing registration at yourward oﬃce.

〇 Change of Address❶ Please bring your Residence Card to the ward oﬃce within
14 days of choosing a new place to live to register yourintention to move to a new address.
❷ Please bring your residence card to your new ward officewithin 14 days of moving into your new address to notify
them of your residence.

Go to your Municipality’s “Residence Registration” Counter3

ⅠHealth InsuranceⅠ

All residents in Japan are
required to join the National
Health Insurance System.

“Illness and Injuries” (Page 14)

PensionAll residents in Japan must register for the pension system.
This system allows everyone to live comfortably after
retirement.
〇 Types of Pension
Type of
PensionApplicability:(Above 20, and below
60 years of age)

Insurance Fee

For Inquiries:

National
PensionSelf-Employed
Unemployed

16,410Yen /Month(For 2019)

City Municipality’s“National Pension”
Counter

WelfareAnnuity
Insurance

Employed

Dependent on
IncomeYour Company
PensionRepresentative*In some cases, part-time workers may join the National Pension instead of
the Welfare Annuity Insurance.
*If you become unable to pay the Insurance Fee, you may avail of either the
Waiver (forgoing fee payment) or Deferment (postponing the fee deadline)
Systems that have been set in place.

4

〇 National Pension and Welfare Annuity Insurance“Lump-Sum Withdrawal”
Those who meet the conditions listed in 1 and 2 will receive
the sum of their paid insurance fees.
❶ Paid the Pension fees for over 6 months.
❷ Completed the procedures to request a refund of payment
within two years of leaving Japan.

Japan Pension Service (https://www.nenkin.go.jp/)
National Pension: Municipal’s “National Pension” Counter,
Any nearby “Pension Oﬃce” or “Pension Consultation Center”
WelfareAnnuity Insurance: Your Company Pension
Representative

Utility Contracts
Once you know your moving date, please apply for your utility
contracts such as electricity, gas, and water.
*A witness must be present upon starting/terminating a gas contract

5

Ⅰ

Ⅰ

Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal guidelines diﬀer by area.
Please follow all rules to contribute to a more pleasant living
experience for everyone.
〇 Garbage Disposal Rules
Please refer to your area’s rules for categories❶ Separation(Burnable, non-burnable,
Recyclable, PET bottles etc.)❷ Collection Days/Times
Please do not put your garbage out
the night before❸ Place
Please bring your trash to the designatedarea.
*There might be a fee for the trash bags depending on the district.

Go to your Municipality’s “Garbage” Counter

6

TaxesType of Tax

Contents

The tax paid to support the necessary costs forthe administrative services of the prefecture or city
Resident Tax municipality. The amount to be paid will change depending
on one’s income for that specific year. (January 1 to
December 31)
Income Tax

Paid in accordance with one’s income for that specificyear (January 1 to December 31)

A tax applied to products and services. Japan has an 8%
Consumption
and 10% tax applied depending on the service or products
Taxpurchased. (As of October 2019).
*Filing Tax Returns: Calculate and report all earnings for the year (Jan. 1 –Dec. 31), and pay the taxes you are requested to pay. You may choose
to report taxes via any of the following methods ① Bring the necessary
documents to the tax oﬃce ② Send the documents by post ③ File taxes
onlineNational Tax: National Tax Agency(https://www.nta.go.jp/)
Prefectural Tax: At the Prefectural Headquarters or
the Automobile Taxation Oﬃce
Municipal Tax: At your municipality’s ”Tax” Counter

7

Ⅰ

Ⅱ．Transportation
Ⅱ

Japan’s public transportation is very punctual.
You can purchase Commuter passes and one-day tickets toride the trains and buses.
Trains〇 How to Ride the Train❶ Buy the ticket for yourdesired destination.
(IC Card holders may
go directly to the ticket
gates.)❷ Wait in line at*Allow passengers

the platform of

to exit the train

the station.

before getting on

②

①

②

Trains labeled as: “Limited Express”, “Express” or ”Rapid”
will not stop at every station.
Please check the train route map or the information boards
and ensure you know that your train will stop at the correct
station.

8

Trams (Streetcars)〇 How to use the tram

Ⅱ

❶ Enter through the middle
or rear door of the tram

❷ If you have an IC Card, touch the card on
the card reader❸ Press the “Stop” button once your destination
has been announced as the next stop

❹ Put money in the fare box located at the front of the tram
beside the driver before you leave the tram.
If you have an IC card, scan it at the IC card reader locatedon top of the fare box.

Tram fare is 170 yen for adults and 90 yen for children,
regardless of destination. (As of October 2019)9

Bus〇 How to Ride a Bus

Ⅱ❶ Wait at the bus stop for the bus
you wish to ride

❷ Take a ticket when you get on the bus. IC Card
holders, scan the card on the card reader.

❸ Press the “Stop” button once your stop isannounced❹ Insert money into the fare box located at the front of the bus
and exit the bus
IC Card holders should touch their card to the scanner
located on top of the fare box.

*Some buses charge a fixed fare price.
Others charge based on the distance travelled.
(IC Cards can be easily used for both types of fare)*The entry door will be diﬀerent depending on the bus.

10

<How to check the train and bus fare>
Before exiting the bus, check the number on your ticket. Lookat the screen to see the correct fare for your ticket number

Ⅱ<Train and Bus Etiquette>
Please observe proper etiquette inside the trains and busses.
・Set phones to silent mode and do not take any phone calls.
・Do not speak in a loud voice・Do not consume food or drinks inside the trains and buses

NO

NO
NO
Bicycles〇 How to Ride a Bicycle❶ Stay on the left side of the road when riding your bicycle.
❷ Do not ride your bicycle while using your smartphone orwhen wearing earphones❸ Follow traﬃc rules

11

Ⅱ<Traﬃc Rules for Bicycles>
・Do not cycle while intoxicated・Two people are not allowed
to ride a single bicycle
・Do not leave your bicycle
unattendedNO・Use the bicycle lightwhen it is dark
・Observe traﬃc lights

NO

NO
Automobiles

To drive in Japan, you must have one of the following driver’s
license. ❶ Japanese Driver’s License ❷ International Driver’s
License ❸ Driver’s license issued in a specific country/
region (❸ applies only to the following 6 regions: Swiss
Confederation, Republic of Slovenia, Federal Republic of
Germany, French Republic, Kingdom of Belgium, Principalityof Monaco and Taiwan.)*Holders of licenses from these countries must have a Japanese translationof their license by an embassy, consulate or the JAF
People who hold a driving license from another country may exchange it
for a Japanese driving license

Japan drives on the left.

Kumamoto Police(https://www.pref.kumamoto.jp/police/)

12

Ⅲ．Work
Employment Qualifications
Depending on the type of your Residence Status, you may beallowed to engage in work here in Japan.
If you have received a “Permission to Engage in Activity Other
Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously
Granted” you may be allowed to work a limited number ofhours*International students may get a part-time job but there is a limit to thenumber of hours per week that they can work.

Immigration Oﬃce (http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/)

Employment Insurance System
Japan has a public insurance system that provides financial support
for people who are unable to work or who are searching for work
Type of Allowance

Details

Basic Allowance(Unemployment
Benefits)

For people who were forced to quit their job, abasic allowance is allotted for a SET PERIOD if
the person is unable to find new employment.

Child care leave
benefits

Money paid to allow you to take leave in order to raise
your child.

Family-care Leave Money paid to allow you to take leave to take care of
Allowancesick/elderly family members.

13

Ⅲ

Ⅳ．
Illness and Injuries
All residents in Japan can sign up for public medical insurance
and receive high-quality medical treatment.
When you feel unwell, please go to your closest hospital.
*In the case of university hospitals, there may be cases where you will not
be allowed to see a doctor or charged a high fee if you go to the hospital
without a referral letter

Medical Insurance

Ⅳ

There are two types of public medical
insurance. Everyone living in Japan mustjoin one of them.
You will receive your health insurance
card once you have signed up
Example ofIf you use your health insurance card,
an Insurance Card
70% of your medical costs will becovered. You only have to pay 30% of your total medical bill.
〇 Types of Health Insurance Available to the Public and
the Persons Applicable
National Health Insurance

Health Insurance

Contents

You only have to pay 30% of medical fees (If a bill costs\1000, you pay \300)

Persons
ApplicableSelf-Employed, Unemployed, Company Employees
Students

Insurance Fee Dependent on one’s annual income
For Inquiries Go to your city hall/ward oﬃce’s The person in charge of"health insurance desk”
the company insurance*People coming from countries that have a Social Security Agreement withJapan may choose not to enter Japan’s insurance programs*There may be cases when part-time employees are registered into the14National Health Insurance program instead of their employer’s Health
Insurance program.

Seeking Diagnosis at Medical Institutions❶ Present your Health
Insurance Card at thereception and describe
your conditionon the medical
questionnaire form
you are given.

❷ Stay in the waiting room
until your name is called.

❸ Once your name is called,
enter the examination
room and explain yoursymptoms to the doctor.

❹ After finishing theexamination, wait in thewaiting room. When
your name iscalled, pay theexamination fee
and collect yourprescription.

❺ Go to a Pharmacy. Show them
your prescription and your healthinsurance card, receive themedicine and pay.

Kumamoto General Medical Information System”Kumamoto Medical Navi” (http://mis.kumamoto.med.or.jp/)
AMDA International Medical Information Center(https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/)
15

Ⅳ

Ⅴ．Child-rearing and Education
There are some procedures you must complete if you become
pregnant.
If you think you may be pregnant, please visit an obstetrician
or gynecologist.
Pregnancy Notice
Notify the municipality you live in about yourpregnancy. They will give you a maternity recordand child health handbook.

Ⅴ

Maternity record and Child Health Handbook
The vaccination records of both the mother and child will berecorded in this book until the child begins elementary school.
With health insurance, you only have to pay 30% of the actual
cost of your medical fees, as your insurer will cover the other
70%.
*The Maternity Record and Child Health Handbook is also available inforeign language but this has an additional cost.

Birth Certificate
Send the birth certificate to the city municipality within 14 daysof the birth of the child.
Regardless of the nationality of of the parents, the city
municipality must be informed when a child is born in Japan.
The child’s name will be written on the birth certificate so,please choose a name before sending the certificate to themunicipality.
16

Regular Medical Checkup
Children aged 3 to 4 months, 6 to 7 months, 9 to 10 months,
one year and 6 months and three years old can get a freehealth checkup.
Your child’s height and weight will be recorded and a doctor
will check their health.
Education System
In Japan, children aged 6 to 15 years old must be enrolled infull-time education.
Age

SchoolGrade
Authorized
Daycare Center
Childcare Facility(Newborn andKindergarten(Newborn andabove)(3 years old andabove)
above)

compulsory
education

Elementary School (6 years)

Secondary
School(6 years)
University(4 years)Junior High School(3 years)
High School(3 years)Junior College (2 years)

Compulsory
Education(9 years)Technical
College(5 years)*Age as of April 2nd.
*There are also Special-needs Schools to support the education of children
with disabilities

17

ⅤKindergarten
A school for children 3 years of age or older. They can attend
kindergarten until they begin elementary school.
Day-Care Center
A center that supervises and cares for children while theirparents are at work.
Authorized Childcare Facility
A facility that acts as both a kindergarten and a day-care center
that provides education and care (or childcare) for children.

Ⅴ

Enrollment/Admissions
When considering enrollment into a public daycare center,elementary, middle school, or high school, please contact yourward oﬃce.
Please contact the school directly regarding enrolling your childinto a national or private school.
Children who are not fluent in Japanese may have to takeJapanese language classes.

Ministry of Education: “Schooling Guidebook for Foreign Students”(http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/clarinet/003/1320860.htm)

18International School
An educational institution for children of foreign nationalities.
The language and curriculum vary depending on the school.
For more information, please contact the school directly.
Subsidies
A Lump-Sum Birth Allowance and Child-care Allowance areprovided to support people raising their children.
Type of allowance

Applicability

Lump-Sum Birth
Allowance

Women 4 months into their pregnancy and women
who have just given birth(\404,000 to \420,000 per child)Child-care Allowance

Given to people with a child/children under 16
years old.
*Some income restrictions may apply

Visit your city municipality’s ”Education and Child-care” desk
National Health Insurance Association “Kyoukai Kenpo”(https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/)

19

Ⅴ

Ⅵ．
Disaster and Emergency
Preparation
Japan experiences a lot of earthquakes.
This is what you should do to protect yourself.
Earthquake
When the ground starts shaking, damage to structures andtsunami (large waves) may occur.
○ Preparations❶ Make sure your furniture is secure and will not
fall over❷ Keep survival goods such as water andemergency rations in an easy-to-access place

Ⅵ
Go to your city municipality’s “Disaster and Safety” desk.
〇 In the event of an earthquake:❶ Take shelter under a table and protect
your head from falling objects.
❷ Once the shaking stops, turn oﬀ all heatsources like kitchen stoves to prevent fires.
❸ Open doors and prepare an escape route❹ Stay calm and evacuate the premises.
20

Get Down

Get Under

Hold OnTyphoon
Heavy rains and strong winds may pose a danger by causing
violent seas and an increase in water levels in rivers.
Typhoons are common between July and October. Trains may
be delayed or stopped due to typhoons.

NO〇 When the Storm Comes❶ Use the internet or TV to get up-to-date information❷ Do not leave the house or building if the rain or winds arevery strong.
Fire〇 In the Case of a Fire❶ (If you hear someone shout “Fire”, hearfire truck sirens or notice smoke) Quickly leave the building.
❷ Ask people nearby for help. Call 119 and ask for the fire
department.
Fire Department, Ambulance ( 119)When contacting the emergency services,
please have the following information ready:❶ Know whether you need a fire truck or an ambulance❷ Explain the situation (Is anyone hurt or unconscious?)❸ Tell the operator your location and contact information(nearby landmarks can help them find you)
Police ( 110)
Crime victims(Theft, Violence etc.),
Traﬃc accidents
21

Ⅵ

Ⅶ．Consultations and Questions【Kumamoto Support Center for foreign residents】
Consultation Monday to Friday From 8:30a.m. until 5:15p.m.
Times
Closed: National Holidays and from December 29 toJanuary 3.

・Via Telephone: TEL 080-4275-4489
For・Via Internet: Send a ”Consultation Form”
Consultation ・Visiting the Center: *Please call and make areservation
Location

Kumamoto-shi Chuo-ku, Suizenji 6-18-1
Prefectural Main Oﬃce 7th floor (InternationalAﬀairs Division)

Consultation
None (Free of Charge)
Fee
Livelihood inquiries
Consultation Residence Registration, Employment, Health
TopicsProblems, Welfare, Childbirth and Childrearing, Education●Livelihood Information canalso be found at the following
website.

↑Obiyama

ShiritStati sutaiikuk
on
anma
e

Suizenji ﬁeld●

28
↓Kengun22■

Seven-Eleven●

bypa

MEGANENO
YONEZAWA●ss(Kumamoto Prefectural Government
Building, International Aﬀairs
Division, 7F)yhttp://www.kumakoku.jp/supportcenter/

Kumamoto Support Center
for Foreign Residents

East

Supported
Languages

Kum
Tramamoto C
itⅦJapanese, English, Chinese, Korean,
Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Tagalog,
Thai, Portuguese, Spanish, Malaysian,French, Russian, German, Italian, Burmese,
Cambodian, Mongolian

57
↓Ezu

Kumamoto Higashi
Post Oﬃce●
Toubumachizukuri●Center【Kumamoto City Municipalities】
Reception Desk Hours: Day: Generally Mondays 〜 Fridays(8:30a.m.~5:15p.m.)*Times are diﬀerent depending on the municipality.
Municipality

Address

Phone Number

Asagiri-cho

Mendahigashi 1199

0966-45-1111

Ashikita-machi

Ashikita 2015

0966-82-2511

Aso-shi

Ichinomiyamachi Miyaji 504-1

0967-22-3111

Amakusa-shi

Higashihamamachi 8-1

0969-23-1111

Arao-shi

Kunaideme 390

0968-63-1111

Itsuki-muraKou 2672-7

0966-37-2211

Uki-shiMatsubasemachi Oono 85

0964-32-1111

Uto-shi

Uratamachi 51

0964-22-1111

Ubuyama-mura

Yamaga 488-3

0967-25-2211

Ozu-machiOzu 1233

096-293-3111

Oguni-machi

Miyahara 1567-1

0967-46-2111

Kashima-machi

Uejima 530

096-237-1111

Kamiamakusa-shi

Ooyano-machikami 1514

0964-56-1111

Kikuchi-shi

Waifu 8880968-25-7111

Kikuyo-machi

Kubota 2800

096-232-2111

Gyokuto-machi

Konoha 759

0968-85-3111

Kuma-mura

Watarihei 1730

0966-32-1111

Kumamoto-shi central
district City Ward

Chuo-ku Tetori Honcho 1-1

096-328-2111

Kumamoto-shi east
district City Ward

Higashi-ku Higashi Honmachi
16-30

096-367-9111

Kumamoto-shi west
district City Ward

Nishi-ku Oshima 2-7-1

096-329-1111

Kumamoto-shi south
district City Ward

Minami-ku Tomiai-machi
Kiyofuji 405-3

096-357-4111

Kumamoto-shi northdistrict City Ward

Kita-ku Ueki-machi Iwano 2381

096-272-1111

Kosa-machi

Toyouchi 719-4

096-234-1111

23

Ⅶ

Municipality

Ⅶ

Address

Phone Number

Koshi-shi

Takaba 2140

096-248-1111

Sagara-mura

Fukami 2500-1

0966-35-0211

Takamori-machi

Takamori 2168

0967-62-1111

Tamana-shi

Iwasaki 163

0968-75-1111

Taragi-machi

Taragi 1648

0966-42-6111

Tsunagi-machi

Kotsunagi 2123

0966-78-3111

Nagasu-machi

Nagasu 2766

0968-78-3111

Nagomi-machi

Eta 38860968-86-3111

Nankan-machi

Sekimachi 1316

0968-53-1111

Nishiki-machi

Ichibu 1587

0966-38-1111

Nishihara-mura

Komori 3259

096-279-3111

Hikawa-cho

Shimachi 642

0965-52-7111

Hitoyoshi-shi

Shimoshiro motomachi 1578
Banchi 1

0966-22-2111

Mashiki-machi

Kiyama 594

096-286-3111

Misato-machi

Baba 1100

0964-46-2111

Mizukami-mura

Iwano 90

0966-44-0311

Minamata-shi

Jinnai 1chome 1-53

0966-61-1603

Minamiaso-mura

Kawayo 1705-1

0967-67-1111

Minamioguni-machi

Akababa 143

0967-42-1111

Mifune-machi

Mifune 995-1

096-282-1111

Yatsushiro-shi

Matsuejyo-machi 1-25

0965-33-4111

Yamae-mura

Yamadakou 1356-1

0966-23-3111

Yamaga-shi

Yamaga 987-3

0968-43-1117

Yamato-cho

Hamamachi 6 Banchi

0967-72-1111

Yunomae-machi

1989-1

0966-43-4111

Reihoku-machi

Shiki 660

0969-35-1111

24

Notes