
FAQ
We can prepare applications for " Eligibility(new)" ,"Extension(renewal)" and "Change" procedures for the following five types of statuses: "Business manager" ,
" Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" ,"Student" ,"Skilled labor" and "Dependent". We also plan to increase the number of Visa categories.
An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about your business like "Where do you ship to?", "What are your opening hours?", or "How can I book a service?".
FAQs are a great way to help site visitors find quick answers to common questions about your business and create a better navigation experience.
Yes, you can, because in addition to Visa application forms, we also have information on daily life for foreigners.
No, there is no fee. There is no fee for registration, only for the preparation of a Visa application.
FAQs can be added to any page on your site or to your Wix mobile app, giving access to members on the go.
Please select "Other Visa" from the Visa type selection and contact us using the inquiry form.
To add a new FAQ follow these steps:
1. Manage FAQs from your site dashboard or in the Editor
2. Add a new question & answer
3. Assign your FAQ to a category
4. Save and publish.
You can always come back and edit your FAQs.
Please refer to the service video available on our website.
Yes. To add media follow these steps:
1. Manage FAQs from your site dashboard or in the Editor
2. Create a new FAQ or edit an existing one
3. From the answer text box click on the video, image or GIF icon
4. Add media from your library and save.
Please proceed with the registration according to the system created under the supervision of an administrative scrivener. We also offer a fee-based service to verify the contents of your application form, so if you have any concerns, please contact us using the inquiry form.
You can edit the title from the FAQ 'Settings' tab in the Editor. To remove the title from your mobile app go to the 'Site & App' tab in your Owner's app and customize.
Payment is due when you have finished entering the required information on the application form. After payment is confirmed, the system-generated application form will be sent to your registered e-mail address.
The application form will be sent to your registered email address in about 3 minutes after the payment is completed, if you do not receive it within an hour, please contact us using the Contact Us form.
Please log in and check your e-mail address. Also, please check your email address as it may have been filtered to spam.
Please contact us using the Contact Us form.
If the problem persists even after reloading or re-logging in, there is a possibility of a system failure, so please contact us using the Contact Us form.
Our system is only a support service for applications prepared by the applicant, so we are not responsible for any denial.
Yes, you can. Please refer to the My Page section of the website where you can find your past applications.
Yes, you can. The basic information and application form information that you have created before are saved, so you can use the system again.
We are sorry. The fee we charge is for one time output of the application form, so we cannot correct the application form itself. Please check the input contents again, make the payment, and receive the application for
We are sorry, but we do not provide individual consultations, so if you have any concerns, please contact our experts directly.
You can request a receipt from the "Request for Receipt" button on your My Page.
Our service is only for members, and such actions are prohibited by the terms of service as fraud.
Yes, you can. There is a function on the application form's required information registration screen that allows you to request that your institution (employer) create an application form from this system.
Is it possible to use this system to create the documents created by the study abroad destination (school) in the application form?
On May 9, 2022, we launched the VASS service.
(excluding corporate account management function)
A. 原則として、受け取り希望日の3営業日前までに注文確定を確定して頂く必要がございます。
A. 当社からのEメールでの決済依頼に対し、お客様が決済頂いた時に注文確定となります。
A. 申し訳ございません。サービスの性質上、返品に応じることはできません。
A. お受け取り希望日に、Eメール(サンクスメール)に記載された指定のコインロッカーで、同メールに記載されたパスワードを入力してお受け取りください。詳しくは、当社サービスサイト(https://umkqf.com/)トップページのチュートリアルをご参照ください。
A. 商品は、お受け取りご希望日の深夜に配送しますため、前日のお受け取りはできません。出発日より前にお受け取り希望の場合は、注文時にその希望日をお知らせください。
A. 可能です。ただし、当社サービスはご指定の場所への配送をもって終了となりますため、パスワードの管理やパスワード漏洩による商品の紛失はお客様ご自身の責任の範囲内となります。
A. 原則として、輸出規制に当たらない物を揃えているつもりですが、最終的なご判断はお客様において行っていただいております。
A. はい。現状クレジットカード決済のみのご提供となります。
A. VISAカード、Masterカード、American Expressカード、Diners Clubカード、JCBカードがご利用いただけます。
A. 申し訳ございません。ご注文を受けてすぐにご希望商品の買い付けを行うため、決済の取り消しには応じることができません。注文確定の際には、慎重にご判断ください。
A. いいえ。当社で特定できた商品のみご注文いただけます。特定に際しては、Eメールのやり取りで可能な限り対応いたしますので、お申し付けください。
A. 極力鮮度が落ちない様、保冷剤やドライアイスにて梱包・保管致します。
A. 個別配送には現状対応しておりませんが、今後対応していく予定です。
新しい質問を追加するには、アプリの設定から「質問を管理」ボタンをクリックしてください。
Renting Japanese apartments have some unique system. Please learn the following knowledge and housing terminology before contacting a real estate company.
In addition to monthly rent, following fee will be required to be paid upon initiation of the lease.
Shikikin or deposit is required for most apartment lease contracts and is usually equal to one or two months’ rent. Your landlord is required to return your deposit to you when you vacate the property, after deducting for cleaning costs and any damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Reikin or gratuity money (or called key money) is refundable payment to your landlord. It is often same price with Shikikin. (equal to one or two months’ rent)
Agent fee is paid to the real estate company as commission. Industry standard requires one month’s rent.
In total, you might need to prepare at least six months’ rent upfront.
To rent apartments, you need to go through a long process with a
real estate company by yourself. Also, rooms are basically not
furnished. Though, if you are looking for complete privacy with
independent lifestyle, this might be a good choice for you.
敷金(Shiki-kin) rental deposit
礼金(Rei-kin)
gratuity money / key money
TIPS...It will be useful to take photos of your room before moving in. They will be proofs of weather damages of the room were made by you or not, to get more of your shikikin back later.
When renting an apartment in Japan, you will be asked to provide the contact details and signature of a Rentai Hoshounin or a joint guarantor. A joint guarantor is a co-signer who takes legal responsibility in case the tenant defaults on payment of rent or damages. They must be over 20 years of age and a Japanese citizen with regular income (T
For being a guarantor is a huge responsibility, arranging a guarantor is perhaps the most difficult part
of all the housing process.
There are lots of companies provide rent guarantor services. One of those provides the service in English and many other different languages. (Global Trust Service: Trust Net 21)
House Terminology 連帯保証人(Rentai- hoshonin) a joint guarantor
How to Subscribe to the System https://www.students.k eio.ac.jp/en/sfc/life/intl- student/files/a1505972040900.pdf
Global Trust Service: Trust Net 21
https://www.gtn.co.jp/en/business/rent- warranty/tenant/#tenant02
House Terminology 坪(tsubo) measurement unit of 3.3 m2
畳(jo) measurement unit of 1.65 m2
To describe the size of a room, 3 measurement units can be used.
m2,tsubo (about 3.3m2)
jō (about 1.65m2, or 0.5 tsubo)
“Jo” is often used term more than others. One jo size is equivalent of one tatami mat.
The following is the list of acronyms used in floor maps.
Type of Room Term Explanation
Storage 1SLDK
1LDK with a storage
It is getting less, but there are still some apartments have traditional Japanese-style rooms called washitsu, 和室. The floor is covered with tatami mats (woven straw) usually comes with sliding doors, called fusuma, made of wooden frames and thick, opaque paper.
和室(Wa-shitsu)
traditional Japanese- style rooms
There are several English-speaking realtors near Shonandai Station as listed below. Some of their websites are available only in Japanese, but they have staff members who will be able to assist you in English.
If you want to obtain apartment information from the realtors listed below, please fill in the "Request Form for Housing Referral" in Appendix A. And send it to the SFC Student Life section via email. SFC Student Life section will forward the request form to all of the realtors below, and you will be contacted by realtors if there are apartments that satisfy your specifications. Alternatively, you may also contact realtors directly.
Shared House / Guest House Besides living in a privately rented apartment or a dormitory, a shared house is another option to consider. Living in a shared house will provide you with the opportunity to widen your circle of friends. Shared houses are ideal who desires a sense of community at home. Several people (not necessarily students) live together in a same house and share common areas such as a kitchen, a living room and bathrooms while an individual can enjoy a private living space. Some shared houses have women-only properties available as well. In terms of cost, shared houses typically have lower initial and monthly fees compared to regular rental apartments. They do not usually require high deposits, key money and/or other initial fees. Also, they are mostly furnished. Plus, the costs for gas/electricity/water/internet will be shared by all residents and regulated by the management, so you do not have to apply for those services separately. In most cases you do not need a guarantor, but some emergency contacts in Japan instead. Please note that there is always the possibility of problems arising from sharing common spaces like the kitchen or living room with strangers.
Please inform yourself of all housing possibilities, and choose our accommodation wisely.
The first thing you need to do is to find out if you are responsible for paying your own utility bills. It is uncommon, but some landlords pay the utilities themselves and include the cost in the rent. If your landlord handles the utilities, you should find everything working when you move into your apartment. If he/she does not, you will need to make arrangements to get service and pay the bills by yourself.
Gas There are two common types of gas used in Japan. One is natural gas (city gas or toshi gas), and the other is propane gas (LP gas). When you move into a new place, find out which type of gas is used and call the gas company (again, you should get the information from your realtor). At the scheduled time, the company will send an employee who will check and then activate your gas lines, for which you must be present. If you live in Fujisawa City, City Gas (toshi gas) is provided by Tokyo Gas. Please keep in mind that not using gas properly is very dangerous. If you notice the smell of gas, turn off the heat and open your windows. Please call the gas company immediately at the exclusive phone number for reporting gas leakages. Water You will have water service the moment you move in, but you will have to call the local water company to open a billing account. Contact your local water company office when you start using water and also if there is any trouble with the service such as not having running water. You must notify them of the date when you wish to start using water. Your realtor will give you the corresponding telephone
number or you can call the number written on the right column. *It is safe to drink directly from tap water in Japan.
If a circuit shorts or you use more electricity than the electrical capacity of your residence, the circuit breaker will trip and your electricity supply will be cut automatically. If this happens, reduce the number of electrical appliances you are using before resetting the circuit breaker. Find out the electrical capacity of your residence and try not to use too much electricity at one time. In case of emergency or difficulties, call the electricity company using the phone number written on your electricity bill. Make sure to keep your bills and receipts for reference. Electronics from your home country may require voltage and plug adapters. Electrical voltage in Japan is 100 volts – 50/60 Hz AC. 50 Hz is common in eastern Japan, including the Yokohama and Fujisawa area, and 60 Hz in the west. The 10 Hz frequency difference does not affect most electrical devices, but you may want to check when it comes to valuable items like computers or cameras. Japanese outlets and plugs come in the two-pronged, North American style, but only in the non-polarized form (prongs are equal sizes). Some North American plugs may require adapters because of this.
After receiving a calculation notice, electricity, gas, and water bills will be sent to your home. You can pay them and other fees at convenience stores, banks, and post offices. Hand the clerk your bill and the amount due in cash and your payment will be processed. You can pay in the same way at your utility companies’ offices. Please note that if you are behind in your utility payments, the service may be discontinued. Alternatively, you can arrange for payment via direct debit (ginkō kōza hikiotoshi) from your bank account. Application forms for this service will be sent to you shortly after opening your utility accounts or you can ask each business operator for details. If you do so, the money will automatically be deducted from your account when the bill is due. To stop your utility services when you leave Japan, notify each of the companies at least one month before you move out of your apartment. You also have to make arrangements if you are moving to another place within Japan. The electric and gas companies will send representatives to shut off your service and issue your final bill. The water company will send you your final bill and close your account. To learn how to read the bill, please refer to the TEPCO’s website page for an electricity bill.
How to Read your "Electricity Bill"
https://www.tepco.co.jp/ en/ep/payment/notifications-e.html
銀行口座引き落とし (ginkō kōza hikiotoshi)
Direct debit
Having a phone number is mandatory to live in Japan. First of all, you are not able to open a bank account, rent an apartment, or go job hunting without one.
However, you do not need to own a landline as long as you have a reachable phone number at your mobile phone / smartphone.
If you want to install a landline in Japan, a telephone subscription right needs to be bought or rented from NTT East. This landline fee costs 36,000 JPY (without tax) plus monthly fee.
Due to past criminal abuse of prepaid phones, phone sellers are required to verify the identity and place of residence of their customers. Typical proof can be in the form of your Residence Card or Certificate of Residence (jumin-hyō). Prepaid phones start around 2,000 JPY. Credit, which is used for outgoing calls, email, internet etc. depending on what features your phone supports, must be purchased in advance. At Softbank, for example, you can choose between 3,000 JPY or 5,000 JPY prepaid cards. Whichever you choose, the card will expire after 60 days and not all prepaid phones support mobile internet. Phone numbers remain active as long as you have valid credit in your account, but will expire after three months to a year without use. Credit can be bought at cell phone stores, convenience stores or online, and is typically valid for 60 days from activation.
It is vital for students to set up a reliable internet connection for online learning environment. There are mainly 4 ways to set up internet at your home. Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH or Fiber Optics) Speed: Fiber optic (FITH) is the fastest and most popular option for home internet connection in Japan. It is able to output 1Gbps. Stability is also quite strong. Installation: If the hardware is not already installed in your apartment building, you will need to have permission from the property owner to have a line installed. Cost: Because internet is unbundled in Japan, you need to pay monthly fee to 2 different companies; 1. The physical line providers such as NTT east, au, and softbank (~5,000 JPY) 2. Internet Service Provider (ISP) (~700 JPY)
There is also a one-time set-up cost for fiber optic.
The average set- up cost is about 6,000 JPY but can be as high as 20,000 JPY or more.
Cancellation fee: You will usually be signing a one- to two-year contract when you sign up for fiber optic. If you cancel the contract in the middle of the term, you may need to pay a penalty fee.
How long it takes: two to four weeks.
It connects to the internet via your cable TV line. This option is not as fast as FITH and it also requires installation. Cost: monthly fee (~6,500 JPY) One-time set-up fee for contract handling fee (~3,000 JPY) One-time installation fee (~5,000 JPY) ファイバー(hikari-faiba) fiber-to-the-Home Fiber Optic Line Provider Companies
NTT East https://www.ntt- east.co.jp/en/
Au Hikari https://www.au.com/eng lish/internet/
Softbank https://www.softbank.jp/ en/internet/
ISP Companies
Asahi Net https://asahi-net.jp/en/
Broadband Rakuten Premium https://faq-e.gol.com/
Spin Net https://www.spinnet.jp/i ndexe.html
Cable Television
J:COM https://www.jcom.co.jp/ english/
Also, when you leave the apartment, you need to pay contract cancellation fee (~3,500 JPY) plus removal construction fee (~2,000 JPY)
For mobile Wi-Fi, called Pocket Wi-Fi, even though your speed may be a little slower, its big advantage is that it does not require cable installation. Contracts tend to be simpler and shorter, and a portable Wi-Fi also gives you access to internet on the move.
Cost: monthly fee (~2,726 JPY)
administrative fee (~3,240 JPY)
Cancellation fee: You will usually be signing a two to three-year contract when you sign up for a mobile router. If you cancel the contract in the middle of the term, you need to pay a penalty fee.
Data limt: There’s limit of data. Please check the contract.Battery: you have to carry around the battery which lasts up to 10 hours.
These will require a credit card for payment.
As well as a mobile router, a home non-cabled router does not need a line construction. It may have stronger signal than a mobile router and it can also reach a wider range. The router itself is larger and often not portable. Please note that the speed may be limited during peak network hours. Cost: Almost same with a mobile routerData limit: Please check the contract.
These will require a credit card for paymen
UQ communications https://www.uqwimax.jp /english/
Asahi Net https://asahi- net.jp/en/service/mobile /wimax2plus/
UQ communications https://www.uqwimax.jp /english/
Asahi Net
https://asahi- net.jp/en/service/mobile /wimax2plus/
First of all, it is important to know that most accommodations in Japan will come unfurnished. Even if there is already a small kitchen unit in most apartments, you may need to buy everything from light bulbs and curtains to your own desk, chair and bed. Furnishing an apartment can be difficult at first for this reason, especially for those coming to Japan for the first time. Moreover, most of the online shops (like Amazon, Rakuten, etc.) are either only available in Japanese or only accept credit cards for payments if you buy furniture. Please refer to the following list of places to find furniture, from budget to higher-priced, for your new Japanese home.
Recycle Shops – Second-Hand Stores Japanese second-hand stores are known as “Recycle shops” and can be found in almost every city and are good to buy hefty appliances like fridges, washing machines and microwave ovens. Some will have a sign saying “リサイクル” (Recycle) and there are also franchise recycle shops too like “HARD-OFF’ (primarily electronics and musical instruments) and its sister branch, “BOOK OFF” (books, CDs, DVDs, games).
We strongly recommend you secure large furniture to the wall as Japan is an earthquake-prone country.
As you are not allowed to put holes into the walls of your room,
special earthquake equipment such as braces which fit between the ceiling and the top of shelving units is suggested (Please check the spring of the brace regularly).
Every furniture shop / DYI shop sells earthquake safety items. Please ask store staff for
Like in every other country, moving means a lot of organization. First, you have to decide if you wish to use a moving company or take the challenge to move everything by yourself. When using a company, the cheapest times of the year to move are June, October and November. In contrast, you should try to avoid moving in March, April, July, August and the Golden Week, because these are the times when everyone is moving because of company transfers and holidays. Also, some people prefer to move on the weekend so they can unpack before going back to work on Monday. As a result, Fridays and weekends tend to be significantly more expensive and you can get discounts for moving on weekdays. Another way to save money is to move in the afternoon, because a lot of moves finish around 2 or 3 p.m., so if the company can get an extra job in during the day, they will lower the price. Even if it is time-consuming, you should get multiple estimates. If you mention in front of the company’s agent that you are getting multiple estimates, companies are likely to take that into account in their quotes. Often you can also get a discount if you are willing to take used boxes. Tips to Make Your Moving Cheap • Choose off- season (June, Oc., Nov.) • Weekdays • Afternoon • Multiple estimates • Take used boxes
How to Find a Moving Company Moving companies in Japan offer all kind of services from full-service movers where a team of professionals will pack and unpack every single item you own, to customer-assisted moves which have an incredible variety of options, so everyone can find a financially friendly way to move ones’ belongings to another place.
Kuroneko Yamato
This company offers an all-around service in English and has special discounts for single-moving.
Nippon Express (Nittsu)
Nittsu is one of the biggest moving companies.
They also offer services for international moving.
Sakai Moving Service As a unique feature, Sakai provides customers free 10 mins service after arrival. They will be able to take orders such as: Installinglighting Hangingcurtains Installingearthquakesafetyequipment Cleaning Relocatingfurnitures Settingupelectricalappliances Cabling
Procedures to Update Residential Address When you decide to move out, there are plenty of things you have to take care of before and after your actual moving date. •Apartment Contract If you are living in a private apartment, you should give notice to the landlord at least one month prior to moving out depending on your contract. If you fail to contact them early enough or if you caused major damage to your apartment, the deposit (shikikin) you paid may not be refunded.
•Cancel Utility Services (Gas, Water, and Electricity) You also have to notify the gas, water, electric power company and the waterworks bureau of the moving-out date and ask the settlement of the account. If you are moving within Japan, tell them the new address at the same time so that they can start your utility services for your new apartment.
Official Registration If you change your address within the same municipality, you only need to notify your municipality of the change of address. Bring your residence card, my number card, and your new address. If you move to a different municipality, your current municipality will issue you a “Move out Certificate (転出届, tenshutsu todoke)”. You need to bring it to your new municipal office and report your moving in (転入届, tennyu todoke) within 14 days after you have settled in a residence at a new address in the municipality. Also, return your NHI card to the municipal office that issued it, and visit the NHI counter at the municipal office of your new residence within 14 days of moving in order to complete the enrollment procedure. For your pension, visit the Pension Division counter at the new municipal office. Bring your pension book and personal seal. Fill out the form for a change of address. There is no procedure in a municipal office of your old address. If you leave Japan, fill out the “Application for the Lump-Sum Withdrawal Payments form” and send it along with your blue pension book, residence card, and a photocopy of your passport to the Japan Pension Service. You can get pension refund. What to Bring to Your Municipal Office of Your Old Address •Residence Card •My Number Card •Your seal (if any) •New Address •NHI card What to Bring to Your Municipal Office of Your New Address • •Move out Certificate • •Residence Card • •My Number Card • •Your seal (if any) • •New Address • •Pension book 転出届 (tenshutsu todoke) moving out form 転入届 (tennyu todoke) moving in form
Bank
Bring your bank card, bank book, and official documents (seal and residence card) to the bank. Visit a counter to change your address.
Contact your credit card company as well.
Mail
The post office redirects your mails for up to one year ,but the forwarding address must be in Japan
Fill out the form (転居届, tenkyo todoke) at your local post office to complete it online.
・Once you learn of your pregnancy, report it to your local municipal office as soon as possible.
・The office will provide the following to those who report their pregnancy:
i. A maternal and child health book (boshi kenko techo)
ii. Tickets for receiving subsidized prenatal checkups
iii. Consultation with public health nurses and other professionals
iv. Information on parental classes (for mothers and fathers)
*The maternal and child health handbook records the entire health history of the mother from pregnancy to birth, and of the child from infancy to early childhood, while providing guidance for the parents or guardians on childrearing. It is designed to allow parents or guardians to make notes of and manage information, and to enable healthcare professionals to make notes of and view information.
・During pregnancy, you must take even greater care of your health than usual. Please receive regular prenatal checkups and manage your health according to the advice of doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. ・It is best to receive prenatal health checkups with the following frequency: i. Once every four weeks from early pregnancy until week 23; ii. Once every two weeks from week 24 to week 35; and iii. Once a week from week 36 until childbirth.
A public health nurse, midwife, or other healthcare professional will visit you at your home to provide you with help and guidance on the following matters; i. Guidance on home life or meals; ii. Consultations about uncertainties or concerns you may have about pregnancy and childbirth; and iii. Consultations concerning caring for an infant. *There is no fee for these visits. For details, please contact your local municipal office.
The municipality holds parental classes on pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, nutrition, and other relevant topics. These classes are also an opportunity to meet and talk with other expecting parents.
This status of residence is for those who are engaged in work that requires specialized skills or knowledge in the fields of natural sciences or humanities, or work that requires thinking based on foreign cultures.
The specialty you learned at school and the content of your work must match.
This status of residence is for those who stay in Japan for study, such as international students and Japanese language school students.
This is a status of residence for those who manage trade or other businesses in Japan, or who are engaged in the management of those businesses.
The requirements are that there is a private office and that the capital amount of the company doing the business is 5 million yen or more.
This is a status of residence for those who are engaged in work that requires skilled skills, such as foreign food cooks (chefs).
Dependents residing in Japan with qualifications to work (status of residence such as "Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services" and "Skilled Labor"), those aiming for employment, cultural activities or study abroad This is the status of residence for those who are dependent on those who have a status of residence.
All foreign nationals entering and staying in Japan are given a status of residence at their port of entry, and are allowed to engage in activities permitted under that status of residence.
International students are expected to have a status of residence as “Student“. If you do not have the appropriate status of residence, you may not be able to enroll.
apply for CoE for international students residing outside Japan.
Students who hold “Student” status of residence are allowed to stay in Japan only for study and research purposes. Therefore, you are not allowed to work under “Student” visa status.
If you wish to engage in secondary activities aside from your studies, such as a part-time job, you must obtain a *permit from the Immigration Bureau beforehand.
With this *permit (資格外活動の許可/shikaku gai katsudo no kyoka), students are allowed to work for up to 28 hours a week (up to 8 hours a day during the summer, winter and spring recess) as long as the work is not deemed to be socially immoral.
* The official name of this permit is “Permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted”
Please consult with the embassy/consulate in your home country by yourself.
Please also visit the visa page of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/visa6.html
Japan is predominantly a cash-based society especially in rural areas.
We recommend you to bring the equivalent of 300,000 JPY~ in cash even you are a scholarship student as scholarship payment usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to start.
A. As a general rule, it is necessary to confirm the order confirmation at least 3 business days before the desired date of receipt.
A. In response to the payment request by e-mail from our company, the order will be confirmed when the customer makes the payment.
A. I'm sorry. Due to the nature of the service, we cannot accept returns.
A. On the desired date of receipt, please use the designated coin locker provided in the email (Thanks Email) and enter the password provided in the email to receive it. For details, please refer to the tutorial on the top page of our service site (https://umkqf.com/).
A. The product will be delivered at midnight on the desired date of receipt, so it cannot be picked up the day before. If you wish to receive it before the departure date, please let us know the desired date when ordering.
A. Yes, it is possible. However, since our service will end when the product is delivered to the specified location, it is the customer's responsibility to manage the password and lose the product due to leakage of the parward.
A. As a general rule, we intend to prepare items that do not meet export restrictions, but the final decision is made by the customer.
A. Yes. Currently, we only offer credit card payments.
A. We accept VISA cards, Master cards, American Express cards, Diners Club cards, and JCB cards.
A. I'm sorry. Since we will purchase the desired product immediately after receiving your order, we cannot accept cancellation of payment. Please judge carefully when confirming your order.
A. No. You can only order products that we have identified. Please let us know as we will respond as much as possible by exchanging e-mails.
A. We will pack and store it with an ice pack or dry ice so that the freshness does not deteriorate as much as possible.
A. We do not currently support individual delivery, but we plan to support it in the future.
This chapter provides some legal procedures that you need to complete at a municipal office. It is not necessary to book your visit beforehand. It may take 60-120 minutes in total.
As soon as your new address is determined, please go visit a municipal office. You are required to report an address in Japan to a local ward/municipal office (Jumin-toroku) by submitting a prescribed form (Tennyu-todoke ) within 14 days from the date of arrival. The form is available at the ward/municipal office.
If you fail to give notification of your place of residence without a justifiable reason or submit a false notification, your status of residence may be revoked.
After completion of the residency process, your address will be written on the back side of the residence card.
You are also required to report to the local ward/municipal office within 14 days every time you change your address in Japan.
To confirm your resident record, the local ward/municipal office will issue you a Juminhyo, a certificate of resident record, upon request. You might be asked to present or submit a Juminhyo when you make a contract for a mobile phone or open a bank account. It generally costs 300yen (fee varies depending on areas) to have
a Juminhyo issued.
•Residence Card •Passport
•New Address
住民登録(Jumin- toroku)
resident registration
転入届(Tennyu- todoke)
moving-in notification
住民票(jumin-hyō) Certificate of Resident record
To confirm your resident record, the local ward/municipal office will issue you a Juminhyo, a certificate of resident record, upon request. You might be asked to present or submit a Juminhyo when you make a contract for a mobile phone or open a bank account. It generally costs 300yen (fee varies depending on areas) to have
a Juminhyo issued.
National Health Insurance (NHI)—kokumin kenko hoken, often abbreviated as Kokuho in Japanese—is one of the health insurance systems in Japan that allows the insured to receive medical care without financial concern when ill or injured by splitting the medical care expenses between the local or national government and the insured.
Full-time international students who will be studying in Japan for more than three months must join NHI unless covered by an insurance plan of a family member who lives in Japan. Overseas medical insurance is not accepted.
With NHI, approximately 70% of your medical expenses will be covered when you receive treatment at hospitals or clinics that are NHI medical service providers (most hospitals in Japan accept NHI). You pay the remaining 30%.
Please note that National Health Insurance does not cover expenses for cosmetic surgery, orthodontics, or normal childbirth.
When you register your address at the municipal office, you’ll be guided to No fee is charged when you join. The insurance card will be sent to enroll in NHI. No fee is charged when you join. The insurance card will be sent to You home later, but a National Health Insurance Certificate can be issued on the same day upon your request. When you receive your NHI card, check if there are any mistakes in the description and be sure to present it at the reception whenever you see a doctor.
Lending your NHI card to someone else is punishable by law. Duplicated or expired NHI cards are invalid.
Japanese National Health Insurance Premiums amount is determined by the municipal office based on income of previous year. If the NHI recognizes that your income is below a certain amount, a reduction to your insurance premiums will be applied (scholarships are not counted as income).
Please pick up an Income Declaration for National Health Insurance form (“kokumin kenko hokenryo shinkokusho”) at the NHI counter, fill it out, and submit it with the application for NHI.
If you do not submit your declaration form, you may be charged with the highest monthly insurance premiums.
From the following year, the form will be sent to your home address.
Please note that insurance tax (premium) must be paid starting from the month you became eligible, not from the month you are notified of enrollment. You will be required to pay dating back to the month you actually enrolled. You will also be required to bear full medical expenses during the time you do not have NHI, unless you have a specific reason. For this reason, we recommend that you purchase foreign or travel health insurance while you are still in your country for the first days after your arrival.
For more information, please contact the NHI counter at your local city office.
The National Pension is a public pension system participated in by all persons aged 20 to 59 years. It provides “Basic Pension” benefits for those affected by old age, disability, or death. Regardless of nationality, all registered residents of Japan aged 20 to 59 years are obliged to enroll in the National Pension System. If you are 20 years of age or older when you enter Japan: After completing resident registration, you need to register/enroll at the municipal office or Japan Pension Service branch office of the area where you reside. If you are 19 years of age or younger when you enter Japan: You do not need to do anything at your resident registration. You will receive a “report of acquisition of qualifications for National Pension System” (kokumin nen-kin hihokenha shikaku shutoku todokesho) one month before you become 20 years old. You register/enroll at the municipal office. Approximately one month after enrolling, they will send you a blue Pension Handbook and National Pension Contribution Payment Slip. Please keep your Pension Handbook in a safe place It will be required if you live or work in Japan in the future. Save it and do not throw it away. 国民年金(kokumin nen- kin) National Pension 国民年金被保険者資格 取得届書(kokumin nen- kin hihokenha shikaku shutoku todokesho) Report of Acquisition of Qualifications for National Pension System
The contribution amount for the National Pension is \16,540/month (for the fiscal year 2021) For students aged 20 or older who have little income and have difficulty paying the contribution, there is a Special Payment System for Students under which they are exempt from making payments. 学生納付特例制度 (gakuei nofu tokuri seido) special payment system for students
To establish the exemption, you need to apply at the municipal office
where you reside and register. The application form is available at the
Japan Pension System branch offices.
Please note that you must apply for the Special Payment System for Students anew every year.
The Individual Number (My Number) is used in these three areas; social insurance, tax, and disaster countermeasures within Japan. You will be provided a 12 digit My Number when you create a resident certificate for the first time after your arrival in Japan. After you have completed resident registration, the notification for My Number will be sent to your address by simplified registered mail. (It will take 2-3 weeks to reach your address.) Enclosed in the envelope are the “Notification Card for My Number (Notification Card)” , “Application Form for the Individual Number Card, a return envelope to submit the application form, and an instruction booklet. The “Notification Card” is made of paper and it shows the 12 digit My Number in the front. It looks like an ID card, but this paper card cannot be used as an identification document. Please fill out and submit the Application Form to apply for a plastic My Number card with photo and an IC chip. When you lose your Notification Card (a paper card) or Individual Number Card (a plastic card), please report immediately to a police Station and a municipal office. Also, please call the toll-free number in the right column to suspend the card’s function.
Do not give your My Number to others without good reason. Each individual has their own My Number, and generally you will be using the same number for the rest of your life. Even if you leave Japan once and return again, you will use the same number when you make a resident certificate. The number cannot be changed freely. It is prohibited to give your My Number to others, or to write down the My Number of others. In case you were asked to give your My Number, be sure to check the person and their purpose of use, and be careful not to allow others to abuse your My Number.
My Number General Toll Free(toll free service) Multilingual Service ☎0120-0178-27
個人番号(マイナンバ ー)(kojin bango) individual number (my number)
Apartments Japanese accommodation is known as costly especially around big cities. It is common that students live far away from unaffordable business district. Even around SFC area, the price tends to get higher at popular spot near train stations. Basic Knowledge of How to Rent an Apartment Renting Japanese apartments have some unique system. Please learn the following knowledge and housing terminology before contacting a real estate company. Initial Costs In addition to monthly rent, following fee will be required to be paid upon initiation of the lease. Shikikin or deposit is required for most apartment lease contracts and is usually equal to one or two months’ rent. Your landlord is required to return your deposit to you when you vacate the property, after deducting for cleaning costs and any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Reikin or gratuity money (or called key money) is refundable payment to your landlord. It is often same price with Shikikin. (equal to one or two months’ rent) Agent fee is paid to the real estate company as commission. Industry standard requires one month’s rent. In total, you might need to prepare at least six months’ rent upfront. To rent apartments, you need to go through a long process with a real estate company by yourself. Also, rooms are basically not furnished. Though, if you are looking for complete privacy with independent lifestyle, this might be a good choice for you.
House Terminology
敷金(Shiki-kin) rental deposit
礼金(Rei-kin)
gratuity money / key money
TIPS...It will be useful to take photos of your room before moving in. They will be proofs of weather damages of the room were made by you or not, to get more of your shikikin back later.
The currency in Japan is the yen (円, en) and is denoted with the symbol ¥.
Bills come in 1,000 yen, 2,000 yen (rare), 5,000 yen and 10,000yen denominations. Coins come in 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen and 500 yen denominations. Counterfeit money is sometimes found for 500 yen coins.
The current consumption tax rate is 10% nationwide (8% for take-out food and drink). All the price tags should include the consumption tax.
Cash: We recommend you to carry cash in your wallet, ~3,000JPY for daily life, ~10,000JPY for your first visiting day.
Credit Cards/Debit cards: Credit cards/Debit cards have become increasingly accepted. The most commonly accepted cards are MasterCard, Visa, and JCB. American Express and Diner’s Club are accepted to a lesser extent. Please note that some places do not take foreign-issued credit cards or cash cards, including 銀聯card. Please check if your credit card and cash card are usable in Japan before your visit.
Currency Exchange: Currency exchange is usually handled by banks, post offices, some larger hotels and a handful of licensed money changers found at international airports.
ATM Withdrawal: Most ATMs do not accept foreign-issued cash cards in Japan. Postal ATMs (Japan Post office) and 7-Bank ATMs (7-Eleven convenience stores) allow you to withdraw cash by credit and debit cards issued outside of Japan, including Visa, Plus, Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, American Express and JCB cards, and provide an English user menu. Please check if your cash cards are usable in Japan before you leave for Japan.
Traveler’s Check: Traveler’s checks are accepted in very limited currencies in Japan. International airports and leading banks are the easiest place to change your T/C for yen.
The official name of the procedure we call "new" is the "Application for Certificate of Eligibility" procedure.
This application is required for those who wish to enter Japan other than short-term stays.
The "Certificate of Eligibility" issued after you apply and get permission is a document that certifies the content of your activities in Japan and is issued by the Ministry of Justice.
This applies to foreigners who plan to stay in Japan for the medium to long term, and activities not listed in the Certificate of Eligibility are not permitted.
A valid passport is required to enter Japan.
Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility in advance and complete the procedure at the Japanese embassy or consulate in the country of residence of the foreigner.
On top of that, it is common to get a visa.
After entering Japan, the status of residence will be granted based on the contents of the Certificate of Eligibility.
The Certificate of Eligibility is valid for 3 months, so be sure to enter Japan as soon as you receive it.
The official name of the "change" procedure is "application for permission to change status of residence".
This is a procedure required when changing from the currently accepted status of residence.
It is practically the same as obtaining a new status of residence, so be sure to prepare clarification materials and proof materials before applying.
The official name of the "extension" procedure is "application for permission to renew the period of stay".
Since the period of stay is set at the time of permission, it is necessary for the Immigration Bureau to complete the so-called renewal procedure before the expiration date.
If you pass the renewal deadline, you will be illegally staying (overstay), so be prepared early.
You can apply for renewal from about 3 months before the expiration of your period of stay.
If you gave birth to a child in Japan
・A notification of birth must be submitted by the mother or father.
・This notification must be submitted within 14 days of birth.
・Submit the notification of birth to the municipality where your child was born or
the municipality of the person submitting the notification.
(1) Documents required for notification of birth
・Birth certificate
・For other necessary documents, contact the municipality to which you are
submitting the notification.
(2) Other procedures
If a status of residence is not obtained for the child within 60 days of birth, the
residence certificate may be deleted, and the child may not be able to receive administrative services such as national health insurance and child care allowance. For details, refer to Chapter 1, 2-4, “Acquisition of status of residence.”
If neither of the parents have Japanese nationality, your child cannot obtain Japanese nationality even if he or she is born in Japan. In such a case, it is necessary to perform the procedure to report the birth of the child to your home country. For details, please contact the embassy or consulate (general) of the father’s or mother’s country in Japan.In addition, acquire a passport for your child.
・Aspregnancyandchildbirtharenotillnesses,theyarenotgenerallycoveredbyhealth insurance.
・C-sections and other surgical procedures are covered by health insurance as exceptions.
This is a system for paying out 420,000 yen to cover the expenses for delivery when the mother is enrolled in health insurance or the national health insurance. However, if the delivery is not covered by the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy, such as when the duration of pregnancy is less than 22 weeks, the amount paid is 404,000 yen.
There are two types of payment in this system. (1) Direct payment
With this method, the medical institution requests and receives the lump-sum allowance for childbirth on the mother’s behalf. As the lump-sum allowance is paid directly to the medical institution, you do not have to pay the full amount of the childbirth expenses at the payment counter when leaving the hospital.
(2) Proxy recipient
With this method, when requesting the lump-sum allowance for childbirth from
the Health Insurance Association or other association you are enrolled in, you can entrust medical institution where your child will be born to receive the allowance so that the lump-sum allowance is paid directly to the medical institution.
If you are enrolled in health insurance yourself and must take a leave of absence from work without pay, you will receive a childbirth allowance for the duration you were absent within the period starting 42 days before birth (the due date) (98 days for multiple births) and ending 56 days after birth. In principle, the amount equivalent to 67% of your wages per day is paid as childbirth allowance during your maternity leave from your health insurance. However, if you receive wages from the company you work for during your leave, and the amount you receive from the company is greater than the childbirth allowance amount, you cannot receive the childbirth allowance.The date of birth is included in the period prior to the date when the child is born. If the actual date of birth is later than the due date, you will also receive a childbirth allowance for the delayed period.
(1) Provision during childcare leave If you are enrolled in employment insurance and take childcare leave to care for a child who is less than one year of age (one year and two months if certain conditions are met or one year and six months or two years if certain other conditions are met) and meet the following conditions, you can apply for childcare leave benefits at Hello Work to receive the benefits in principle. (For the first six months, you will receive the amount equivalent to 67% of your wages prior to the start of the leave. After that, you will receive 50% of your wages prior to the start of the leave.) ・Conditions for receiving the benefits i. You have worked more than 11 days per month or more than 80 working hours per months as the bases of wage payment for 12 months or more during the two years prior to the start date of your childcare leave. ii. You meet certain conditions such as your wages during childcare leave drop to less than 80% of the wages you made when starting your leave. (2) In the case of a temporary worker (employee with a fixed-term contract) A temporary worker (an employee with a fixed-term contract) must satisfy all of the following conditions at the start of the childcare leave, in addition to the conditions above: i. Employed by the same company (same business owner) for more than one year ii. It is unclear that the employment contract will end before his/her child turns one year and six months old (two years old if the childcare leave starts after the child is one year and six months old due to reasons such as the child being unable to enter daycare).
The child allowance is paid to ensure a stable home environment and the healthy development of the children.
This allowance is paid when the child and the person raising the child are both living in Japan.
(1) Eligibility
Person raising a child until the first March 31st after their 15th birthday
(2) How to receive the child allowance
・ Submit an application for the allowance to your local municipality.
・ In principle, the allowance is paid starting from the month following the month in
which the application is submitted.
・ You need to submit the new application when a new child is born or when you
move to another municipality
(3) Amount
*If the income of the person raising the child is at or above income threshold, 5,000 yen a month is paid. *”Third and subsequent children” means the third child and subsequent children among the children who have not reached the first March 31st after their 18th birthday and are being raised.(4) Payment timingAs a rule, child allowance is paid altogether once in 4 months (June, October, andFebruary).
Your municipality provides the following health checkups for free:
・ 18-month-old checkup
・ 3-year-old checkup
・ Depending on the municipality, checkups may be provided for infants of other ages.
*Checkups include tests of development, height and weight measurement, and parenting consultations. For details, contact your local municipality.
There are some illnesses that can be immunized against with vaccinations. There are two types of vaccinations.
i. Vaccinations recommended by the municipality
These vaccinations may be provided for free. For details, contact your local
municipality.
ii. Voluntary vaccinations available by request
For these vaccinations, you will pay out-of-pocket. Consult your doctor before giving your child vaccinations.
If you are enrolled in a health insurance, you pay 20% of the medical expenses for children up to age six prior to the start of elementary school. Depending on your local municipality, medical expenses may be free until the end of elementary school or additional aid may be provided.
・ There are different types of facilities for children up to age six prior to the start of elementary school, such as daycare centers, kindergartens, and centers for early childhood education and care.
・ Fees for daycare centers, kindergartens, centers for early childhood education and care, are free for all children aged 3 to 5.
(1) Day care center (Hoikujo) ・ These facilities care for children in lieu of parents and guardians who are unable to provide care at home for work or other reasons. ・ Regular daycare services are eight hours a day, and some daycares also offer after- hours services such as evening and holiday daycare services. ・ Some day care centers offer hourly care services in which children can be left there on an hourly basis in the event of urgent business or a short-term part-time job, for example. ● One point Non-registered daycare facilities
(2) Kindergarten (Yochien) ・ Kindergartens are school for children from age three until they start elementary school. ・ The standard time for education is four hours a day, but childcare services is available at some kindergartens until evening or night, or from early morning, depending on the circumstances of parents and guardians such as working.
・ Kindergartens focus on a children’s voluntary activity and play, unlike education after elementary school. ・ Some kindergartens also offer consultation services related to child-rearing for parents and guardians in the local community or open their schoolyard to the public. (3) Center for Early Childhood Education and Care (Nintei Kodomoen) ・ Centers for early childhood education and care combine the functions of both kindergartens and daycares. ・ Centers for early childhood education and care can be used regardless of whether parents/guardians work or not. ・ Theyalsohaveotherfunctionsforallhouseholdswithchildrensuchasconsultation activities to help with the anxiety of parenting and providing a place where parents and children to get together.
・ For children whose parents or guardians are not at home during the daytime for work or other reasons, after-school children’s clubs are available. ・ In these clubs, after-school care workers are staffed to offer an appropriate place for playing and spending time after classes. ・ In addition to after-school children’s clubs, some municipalities also offer after- school children’s classes that include different types of learning and interactive activities for all elementary school children.
・The Family Support Center is an organization that consists of the members described below. The Center acts as a go-between to help members support each other. i. Parents who need assistance in watching infants or elementary school children ii. People who want to provide assistance ・ Examples of support are as follows. i. Taking children to and from daycare facilities
ii. Watching children after daycare facility hours or after school iii. Watching children while parents or guardians go grocery shopping or run other errands ・ The procedure for using such support is as follows. i. Contact the nearest local Family Support Center, and register to become a member. ii. Apply for use of the support. iii. A Family Support Center advisor introduces you to a member who will provide you with assistance and acts as a go-between for you and that person. iv. Pay a fee to the person who provided assistance after the assistance.
通常,必須在所需收貨日期前至少3個工作日確認訂單確認
為響應我們公司通過電子郵件提出的付款請求,將在客戶付款時確認訂單
對不起。由於服務的性質,我們不能接受退貨
在所需的接收日期,請使用電子郵件中提供的指定投幣儲物櫃(謝謝電子郵件),然後輸入電子郵件中提供的密碼以進行接收。有關詳細信息,請參閱我們服務網站
該產品將在所需的收貨日期午夜交貨,因此無法在前一天取貨。如果您希望在出發日期之前收到,請在訂購時告知我們所需的日期
是的,有可能。但是,由於我們的服務將在產品交付到指定位置後終止,因此客戶有責任管理密碼並由於密碼的洩漏而丟失產品
通常,我們打算準備不符合出口限制的物品,但最終決定權由客戶決定
是的。目前,我們僅提供信用卡付款
我們接受VISA卡,萬事達卡,美國運通卡,大萊卡和JCB卡
對不起。由於我們將在收到您的訂單後立即購買所需的產品,因此我們不接受取消付款。確認訂單時請仔細判斷
沒有您只能訂購我們確定的產品。請讓我們知道,因為我們將通過交換電子郵件來盡可能多地回复
我們將用冰袋或乾冰包裝和存放它,以免新鮮度盡可能降低
我們目前不支持個人交付,但我們計劃將來支持
Opening a bank account as early as possible after arriving in Japan is recommended since most scholarship payments will be made via direct deposit. You will probably create a general account (futsu yokin) which is convenient, however interest is low. Most bills can be paid automatically if you request and fill out the appropriate forms. Generally, you will need your resident card, your student ID card and a personal name seal (inkan, if you have one) to open an account. Confirm in advance as requirements differ according to financial institutions. At some banks, your period of stay must be over 6 months to open an account.
Please check with the bank in advance for detailed information. When you are at the bank, you need to fill in the Application Form with: •Your Name
•Address
•(Japanese) Phone Number
•Date of Birth
•Password
After completing the paperwork, you will receive a bank book (tsucho) that day and a cash card (kyasshu kado) is sent to the address of the account holder approximately one week later.
通帳(tsucho) a bank book
キャッシュカード (kyasshu kado) a cash card
Banks in Japan primarily consist of major city banks such as Mizuho Bank, Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ, and Mitsui Sumitomo—that have head offices in large cities like Tokyo and branch offices across the nation—and regional banks including Suruga Bank or Bank of Yokohama, that provide financial services in specified prefectures or regions in the country. There are many banks in Japan.
Japan Post Bank ゆうちょ銀行 http://www.jp- bank.japanpost.jp/en_in dex.html
Mizuho Bank みずほ銀行 http://www.mizuhobank. com/index.html
Bank of Mitsubishi UFJ 三菱 UFJ 銀行 http://www.bk.mufg.jp/g lobal/?link_id=p_top_he ad_global
Sumitomo Mitsui Bank
住友三井銀行
http://www.smbc.co.jp/g lobal/
Banking services including deposits and savings, direct payment for utility bills, automatic debit transfer for credit cards, remittance, etc. are all handled at banks and post offices (yucho ginko). If you wish to send money home or overseas, you should consult with your bank about the options you have, since each financial institution varies in commission fees and handles services differently. For conducting domestic and overseas remittance that amounts to more than 100,000 JPY, a form of personal ID (residence card, health insurance card, etc.) is required.
When making a cash withdrawal at a bank counter, you will need the personal seal that you registered with when you opened your account or give them your signature if you did not use one. If using a bank card, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs or cash dispensers, but be aware that there may be a limit to the number of withdrawals and the amount that can be withdrawn per day.
Banks are normally open 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., and are usually closed on weekends and holidays.
As each financial institution has different service hours and fees at their branches and ATMs, please check their websites for more detailed information.
Although you can exchange foreign currency at major banks and post offices, depending on the type of currency you are seeking, some outlets may not have it in stock and may not be able to exchange it for you right away. It is strongly recommended that you visit on of the major branches of your bank when seeking a variety of foreign currencies. When exchanging a large sum or minor currency, contact a local financial institution to find out whether such exchange is possible.
口座開設(koza kaisetsu)
opening a bank account
預け入れ(azukeire)
Deposit
振替(furikae)
Transfer
通帳記入(tsucho kinyu) Update Passbook
引き出し(hikidashi)
Withdrawal
振込み(furikomi)
Remittance
残高照会(zandaka shokai )
Checking Balance
残高照会後お引き出し (zandaka shokaigo ohikidashi)
Withdrawal After Checking Balance
両替え(ryogae)
Exchange
海外送金(kaigai sokin)
overseas remittance
手数料(tesuryo)
handling charge
Passport Apply for your passport if you don’t have one.
Airline Ticket
Book your airline ticket.
Travel Insurance
This is not mandatory, but travel insurance is strongly recommended for the first few weeks until joining the National Health Insurance plan with your residential registration.
Trains
Check access from your port of entry to your final destination.
The Japanese education system is generally called the “6-3-3-4-year system” and consists of six years of elementary education, three years of junior high education, three years of high school education and four years of college education. Education is compulsory in elementary shools and junior high schools. Preprimary education is given at kindergartens etc.
Enrollment in a public elementary and/or junior high school ・Parents or gurdians have an obligation to send their Japanese children aged from six to 15 to elementary and junior high school. ・In the case of foreign children, the children can be accepted by Japanese public elementary and junior high school. Tuition and textbooks are free of charge. ・Tell your local municipal office that you wish to send your children to Japanese public school. ・Visit an appointed school with required documents and the Enrollment Permit for International Students issued by the municipal office. ・In Japan, besides elementary and junior high schools, there are compulsory education schools which provide compulsory education comprising grade one through nine, and special schools for physically and/or mentally-challenged children.
・High schools are for those who have graduated from junior high school and wish to continue their studies. To get enrolled in high school you have to take an entrance exam and pass it, as a general rule. ・High schools are categorized into schools offering full-time courses, part-time courses and correspondence courses. ・High school graduates are entitled to apply to university.
Besides elementary, junior high and high schools, there are various types of educational institutes for foreign students, or so-called “foreign and international schools.” Each school has different background of cultures, ethnicities, languages, curriculums and post-graduate paths, so you should choose one suitable for your children. (Enrollment qualifications for those who have graduated from foreign and international schools can be found in 1-7 Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).)☛ See the following URL for details:https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kokusai/gaikoku/index.htm
・In Japan, there are evening classes at public junior high school for those have not completed their compulsory education either in Japan or in their home country.
・28 cities in 10 prefectures across Japan have 34 evening classes at public junior high schools (as of April 2020) and they accept those who have not graduated from junior high school for any reason. ・If you wish to get enrolled in evening classes at public junior high school near you, contact your local Board of Education.
☛ See the following URL for details:
https://www.gov-online.go.jp/useful/article/201601/1.html
・Those who have not graduated from junior high school in Japan can take this test.
・The test is held once a year. ・By passing the test, you will be qualified to take an entrance exam for Japanese high schools.
・Those who have not graduated from high school can take this test.
・The test is held twice a year. ・If you pass it, you will be entitled for the following: i. To take an entrance exams for colleges/universities, junior colleges or proffesional training colleges in Japan. ii. To take tests for employment or qualifications which entitles people who have graduated from high shools. ☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mext.go.jp/component/a_menu/education/detail/ __icsFiles/afieldfile/2019/05/13/1291562_02.pdf
Admission to college and university ・Those who have graduated from high schools, middle schools or an accredited international schools in Japan (http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/shikaku/07111314/003.htm) are entitled to apply for the following: i. Colleges and universities ii. Professional and vocational universities iii. Junior colleges iv. Professional and vocational Junior colleges v. Professional training colleges (post-secondarycourse of specialized training colleges), etc. ・Those who have obtained one of the following certificates will also be qualified to apply for the above-mentioned educational institutes: i. International Baccalaureate ii. Abitur iii. Baccalaureate iv. General Certificate of Education, Advanced-Level (See a list of accredited international Baccalaureate schools in Japan: https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/ib-japan/authorization/) ・Those who have completed their 12-year education and graduated from an educational institute that is certified by any of the following groups are also entitled to apply for the above-mentioned educational institutes: i. WASC (The Western Association of Schools and Colleges) ii. CIS (Council of International Schools) iii. ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Other institutes for higher education There are other institutes for higher education in Japan as follows and each has its own application requisites: Chapter 5 Education
i. Graduate schools mainly for postgraduates ii. Professional and vocational universities mainly for postgraduates iii. Colleges of Technology mainly for junior-high graduates
To get enrolled in a higher education institute, you have to pass an entrance exam or document screening.
Some institutes offer special assessments for foreign applicants.
The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU), operated by the Japan Student Services Organization, is employed by many colleges and universities as a special evaluation reference for international students.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/eju/index.html
・There is a system that offersassistance for the expense of school supplies such as uniforms, school bags, stationery and school lunches. ・Low-income parents whose children go to elementary or junior high school are eligible for this assistance. ・The requirements for the assistance and the amount to be paid vary on the municipality in which the applicant resides.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/career/05010502/017.htm Chapter 5 Education
・High-school students whose annual household income is less than 9,100,000 yen, can receive financial aid to cover the expense of high school tuition. ・Students who go to national or public high school can receive financial aid equal to the amount of the tuition. ・The amount of the aid for private high-school students varies depending on their household income.
・In order to receive the aid, an application form must be submitted. Details will be announced by the school you attend.☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1342674.htm☛ If you want to read in English: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/__icsFiles/afieldfile/ 2020/04/30/100014428_2.pdf
・Low-income parents whose children go to high school can receive benefits to cover the expense other than tuition fees, such as the expense of textbooks and school supplies. ・The amount of the benefits differs in the kind of schools students attend. ・In order to receive the benefits, you have to apply for an application form must be submitted. ・Details will be announced by the school your child attends. ☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1344089.htm ☛ If you want to read in English: https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/20210128- mxt_shuugaku_1344089_3.pdf
・Scholarships are provided by the Japanese government, local governments and private foundations. ・National scholarships consist of two types: i. Grant type: you do not need to pay it back ii. Student loan type: you have to repay it after graduation * Some student-loan type scholarships have interest charges while others don’t.
・Those who continue with higher education and have one of the following status of residence are eligible for the scholarships offered by the Japanese government:
i. Special Permanent Resident
ii. Permanent Resident
iii. Spouse or child of Japanese national
iv. Spouse or child of Permanent Resident
v. Long-Term Resident (who intend to live in Japan permanently)
There are also grant-type scholarships for those whose status of residence is “Student” and have satisfied the academic requirements.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/study_j/scholarships/shoureihi/index.html
Knowing Japanese will make your life easier in Japan. You can get to know others and make friends with them. They may help you when you need any help. You may be able to fulfill your dreams. In order to be yourself in Japan, it is strongly recommended that you keep studying Japanese.
・Japanese language uses five types of characters: hiragana, katakana, kanji, and English letters (romaji) and numbers. Both Hiragana and Katakana have 46 characters each and those written in smaller versions (four characters for Hiragana and nine characters for Katakana). The special symbols ゙ ゚ー are also used. ・Kanji are helpful once you memorize them. Some may look complicated. Start by learning the simple ones. ・Learn about romaji as well, which is often used when you type or text for mails and social media ・If you live in Japan, it is very important to know the names of local places and streets by reading and writing characters such as Kanji. Japanese also has many dialects and they have an important role in your community life. You can learn these dialects at Japanese classes in your area and through communication with local residents. ・There are three forms of polite speech in Japanese: Honorific, humble, and polite. Know the difference and do your best to use them.
By attending Japanese classes, you can not only study the language, but also exchange information and make friends at the same time. Find a language school or lesson near you. Nowadays an increasing number of learners choose to learn online through social media such as Skype or E-learning. Find the method that is suitable for you. (1) Japanese language school ・There are courses with different purposes: to prepare for school study, for work, or to prepare for exams ・There are classes for beginners through advanced learners. ・You can choose to learn in a group or in a private class. ・You have to pay for the classes. (2) Japanese classes in local communities ・They are organized by local governments, international associations, or NPOs.
・Classes are held in community centers, schools, churches or volunteer centers. Teachers are volunteers in many cases. ・Some classes are free of charge. They are more economical than studying at a language school. ・Generally, classes are held once or twice a week for one to two hours. * Check the following when you search for Japanese classes: 1Name of the class 2organizer 3venue 4contact number 5how to contact 6supportedlanguages7courseperiod8numberofsessions 9timetable(dayand time) 10qualification for application 11cost 12 class type (group or private) 13number of students 14level 15who teaches 16what to learn 17 availability of parking, baby-sitting services, etc. (3) Online classes, distance learning If you are too busy to go to language school because of working or parenting, you can study Japanese online using SNS or E-learning. There are various version of tuitions and services, so find the one that is most suitable for you.
Some crucial actions which foreign nationals need to take in Japan for their safety and security are listed in 23 languages as “Actions in Daily Life”. Check what you can do and what you want to do in Japanese. Tell your Japanese teachers and assistants about your study targets. ☛ [Examples of Actions in Daily Life (23 languages)] Find examples at the following link: https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/kokugo_nihongo/kyoiku/nihongo_curriculum/index _2.html
Before you purchase textbooks, think about who you are going to study Japanese with. If you have decided to take Japanese classes, textbooks are likely to be provided by the school. If you have decided to study with somebody, choose a text book with them.
Then, what would you like to learn? Japanese characters (hiragana, katakana, kanji or romaji)? Speaking? All four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening)? The materials you need vary in accordance with your target.
☛ Textbooks are available at large bookstores. A list of textbooks is also available in the “Handbook for Learning Japanese and Life in Japan”.
https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/kokugo_nihongo/kyoiku/handbook/
☛ Foreign nationals who live in Japan have an opportunity to learn Japanese from the website for foreign nationals as residents to learn Japanese language, “Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japan,” aiming to communicate in Japanese or use Japanese in daily life.
https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/
Chapter 5 Education
Enter your answer here
A residence card is an ID for foreign residents in Japan. It shows your identification information, period of stay, your status of residence, and so on.
・ A Person who is 16 years and over need to carry his / her residence card at all times.
・ It can be used as an ID when you carry out an official procedure at local government or enter into a contract.
A Person to Whom Residence Card Is Issued
A residence cards is issued to a person who stay in Japan over three months. (The person is called mid-to-long-term resident.) Six cases in which residence card is not issued
i. A person granted permission to stay for three months or less
ii. A person granted “Temporary Visitor” status of residence
iii. A persons granted “Diplomat” or “Official” status of residence
iv. A staff members of the Japanese office of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, etc.), or Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan who has “Designated Activities” status of residence, and his / her families
v. A special permanent resident vi. A person with no statuses of residence
A residence card is mainly issued at the following time
i. When a new landing permit is given at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, New Chitose Airport, Hiroshima Airport, and Fukuoka Airport
・ A residence card is issued at the airport.
ii. When a new landing permit is given at an airport or a port not mentioned above
・ Please submit a moving-in notification to the municipal office where you live. After that your Residence Card will be delivered to your house by mail.
iii. When you receive permission for extension of the period of stay
・ Please apply for extension of period of stay (cf. 2-1) at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (including district offices and branch offices of the regional immigration services bureau; the same shall apply hereinafter) before your period of stay expires. A new residence card will be issued if your application is permitted.
iv. When you receive permission for change of the status of residence
・ If you need to change your status of residence, please apply for change of status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau (cf. 2-2). A new residence card will be issued if your application is permitted.
v. When you receive permission for acquisition of status of residence
・ If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality, and wishes to continue to stay in Japan beyond 60 days after he or she is born, it is necessary to apply for acquisition of his/her status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 30 days from the date of birth (cf. 2-4). A new residence card will be issued if his/her application is permitted.
A person who has had been issued a Residence Card need to register his / her address (file moving-in notification) within 14 days after his / her residence has been determined.
To file the notification, either a Residence Card or passport is needed.
You need to apply for reissuance of a residence card at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days of the day when the loss is known.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport
・ A photograph (4 cm long x 3 cm wide, taken within the last three months. You don’t need to submit a photograph if you are under 16.)
・ Documentation that proves reasons for loss of the Residence Card(Certificate of Lost Property Report, Report of Theft, Disaster Victim Notification, etc.)
・ An application for reissuance of a Residence Card
☛ See the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00010.html
You need to return your residence card in the following circumstances:
Departure (leaving Japan after finishing your activities)
・Please return your residence card to an Immigration officer at an airport or seaport when you leave Japan.
In the cases above, please return your residence card within 14 days by one of the following methods.
・Bring the residence card to the nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
・Send the residence card by mail To: Odaiba Branch Office, the Tokyo Regional
Immigration Services Bureau Tokyo Port Joint Government Building 9F, 2-7-11 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0064 (Please write “Return of the Residence Card” on the front of the envelope)
☛see the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00020. html
・There are a variety of medical institutions in Japan and each one has its own role. If your medical concern is not severe, visit a local clinic. i. Doctor’s offices, clinics: For treatment of mild symptoms and slight injuries. ii. Middle-scale hospital: For surgeries, hospitalization and emergency care iii. Large-scale hospital: For critical emergencies and advanced medical treatment ・Present your health insurance card at the hospital or clinic, or otherwise you will cover the full amount of medical expenses. ・Find a doctor depends on your symptoms of illness or injuries. Here are some examples: Internal Medicine: Diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the internal organs (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urinary organs, blood, endocrine, nerves, etc.) mainly with medication without operations. You can also see them when you catch a cold or have general health problems Surgery.: Surgical treatments mainly by oerations for internal organs damaged by cancer and injuries Pediatrics: Treatment of children’s illness Orthopedics: Treatment of the locomotive systems such as bones, joints,muscles, tendons and its related nerves Ophthalmology: Diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders Dentistry: Treatment of teeth; endodontics, orthodontics, etc. Obstetrics: Treatment of pregnancy, childbirth, newborns and related disorders etc.
・You can search for one using any of the following: i. Municipal newsletters issued by the municipal office in your area ii. Online iii. Medical Information Net, which is provided online by your prefectural government
2
*In addition, you can also search for medical institutions (hub medical institutions and other medical facilities that can accept foreign patients, selected by prefectures) in foreign languages on the website of the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) for foreign travelers visiting Japan.
https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/jpn/mi_guide.html
It is also possible to consult at the following:
i. The municipal office in your area
ii. A Medical Safety Support Center (*)
(*) Medical Safety Support Centers are located in about 390 in prefectures,
municipalities with public health centers and wards in Tokyo. ☛ See the following URL for details:
http://www.anzen-shien.jp/center/index.html
If you do not speak Japanese, you can consult at the following:
i. The municipal office in your area
ii. International associations near you
iii. NPOs (they may speak your language)
No matter where you are from, you are obliged to enroll in public medical insurance in Japan. This is a Japanese social system to guarantee that any resident can equally receives medical services at a high standard at low cost by sharing the cost across the whole of society.
(1) Enrollment Requirements Those who work for a company which is obliged to have their employees enroll in the health insurance and are obliged to enroll in the health insurance: i. Regular employees, chief executives,board of directors ii. Those who fulfill all of the following: ・who work during office hours for over 20 hours a week;
・who are expected to work for more than a year for the company; who earn more than 88,000 yen a month; ・who are not students; and ・who work for a company with more than 501 employees. iii. Those who work as a part-time worker or a temporary staff for less than 30 hours a week but work over three fourths of the weekly labour hours of a regular employee at the same company (work place) (2) Insurance premiums As a rule, both the companies (employers) and the insured pay half of the health insurance premiums. Dependents of the insured do not need to pay premiums. (3) Benefits Copayment of medical expenses The copayment ratio of medical expenses for the insured is as follows: ・Preschool infants under six years old: 20% ・School-age children through adults up to 69 years old: 30% ・Adults aged 70 to 74 years old: 20% (Wage-earners at their pre-retirement income level: 30%) Medical expenses In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself; however, once your application is approved, the expenses minus your copayment will be reimbursed: ・When you have just been employed by a company and not received an insurance card yet; ・When you purchase medical devices such as a cast; ・When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion or massage which your doctor deems medically necessary; or ・When you have received medical services outside of Japan.
High-cost medical care expenses The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the total amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications (except the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, the over-the-limit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with age (whether the insured is under 70 years old or not) and the income level of the insured. Medical transportation expenses If a pationent has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to a temporary and emergency need as instructed by a doctor, his/her medical transportation expenses will be reimbursed in cash in cases where the following requirements are fulfilled: You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred to; The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness which is the cause of the transportation; It was an emergency and unavoidable. Accident and Sickness Allowance When the insured is unable to work due to illness or injury and have been absent from work for three consecutive days, accident and sickness allowance will be paid from the fourth day of absence. The duration of payment will be onward for up to 18 months counting from the first day of payment. Childbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant This is a benefit for an insured or his dependent to help cover expenses related to childbirth. As a general rule, the allowance per child is 420,000 yen. Maternity Leave Allowance Maternity Leave Allowance is provided when an insured of health insurance takes leave
for give birth. The allowance is paid for the days the insured is away from work during a period starting 42 days (98 days in the case of multiple pregnancies) before the estimated delivery day and 56 days afterward.
Family Medical Expenses
If the dependents of an insured get ill or injured, Family Medical Expenses will be provided. The range, measure and duration of the payment are the same as that of Medical Expenses for the insured.
(1) Enrollment requirements ・All registered residents who are under 75 and are not in Employees’ Health Insurance are obliged to get enrolled in National Health Insurance. ・Foreign nationals are obliged to join National Health Insurance except in the following cases: i. The period of stay is less than three months (*); ii. The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”; iii. The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as “to receive medical treatment” or “to provide everyday assistance for someone who is engaged in the activities meantioned above”; iv. The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as “sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”; v. The status of residence is “Diplomat”; vi. Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; or vii. Persons who are from a country with which the Japanese government has a social security agreement with including health insurance, and have an official certificate issued by the government to show their membership of the social insurance system in their home country. (*) Even if your period of stay is shorter than three months, you can join the National Health Insurance if your status of residence is one of the following and if you have any document to certify that your stay will be longer than three months: ・“Entertainer”
・”Technical Intern Training” ・“Dependent” ・Designated Activities (except iii. and iv. above) (2) Enrollment and withdrawal application You can join in or withdraw from National Health Insurance at the municipal office in your area. Ask the municipal office for more details. (*) You must withdraw from National Health Insurance in the following cases: i. When you move to a different municipality; or ii. When you join Employee’s Health Insurance. (3) Insurance premiums Insurance premiums are calculated on a per-household basis and decided according to the insured’s income or the number of the household. This amount is paid by the head of the household. * Insurance premiums may be reduced in accordance with income and other circumstances. Ask for further information at the municipal office in your area. (4) Benefits Copayment of medical expenses The copayment ratio of medical expenses for an insured is as follows: ・Preschool infants under six years old: 20% ・School-age children through adults up to 69 years old: 30% ・Adults aged 70 to 74 years old: 20% (Wage-earners at their preretirement income level: 30%) Medical expenses In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself; however, once your application is approved, the expenses minus your copayment will be reimbursed: ・When you have just been employed by a company and not yet received an insurance card;
・When you purchase medical devices such as a cast; ・When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion and massage which your doctor deems medically necessary; or ・When you have had medical services outside of Japan. High-cost medical care expenses The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the total amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications (except the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, the over-the-limit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with age (whether the insured is under 70 years old or not) and the income level of the insured. Medical transportation expenses If a pationent has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred due to a temporary and emergency need as instructed by a doctor, his/her medical transportation expenses will be reimbursed in cash in cases where the following requirements are fulfilled: You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred to; The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness which is the cause of the transportation; It was an emergency and unavoidable. Childbirth and Childcare lump-sum grant This is a benefit for an insured or his dependent to help cover expenses related to childbirth. As a general rule, the allowance per child is 420,000 yen.
(1) Enrollment Requirements When you become 75 years of age ・All registered residents in Japan aged 75 years or older must join the Medical Care System for Elderly in the Latter Stage of Life.
・Those who are between 65 and 74 years old and have been approved as having certain disabilities can also join this program.
・You have to withdraw from other insurance programs (National Health Insurance, Health Insurance Associations, Japan Health Insurance Association, or Mutual Aid Association, etc.)
・All foreign nationals aged 75 years or older, except in the following cases, must join this program as well:
i. The period of stay is less than three months (*);
ii. The status of residence is “Temporary Visitor”;
iii. The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as “to receive medical treatment” or “to provide everyday assistance for someone who is engaged in the activities meantioned above”;
iv. The status of residence is “Designated Activities” and the activities are specified as “sightseeing, recreation or other similar activities”;
v. The status of residence is “Diplomat”;
vi. Persons who do not have a valid status of residence; or
vii. Persons who are from a country with which the Japanese government has a social security agreement including health insurance, and have an official certificate issued by the government to show their membership of the social insurance system in their home country.
(*) Even if your period of stay is shorter than three months, you can join the program if your status of residence is one of the following and if you have any document to certify that your stay will be longer than three months:
i. “Entertainer”
ii. “Technical Intern Training”
iii. “Dependent”
iv. “Designated Activities” (except iii. and iv. above)
(2) Enrollment and withdrawal applicationYour application can be submitted at the municipal office in your area. Ask the municipal office for more details. Those who move to another municipality in another prefecture should withdraw from this program.
(3) Insurance Premiums Insurance premiums are the total amount of per-capita base and income-base charges. There are cases in which the premiums are reduced for dependents in the employees’ health insurance or for the insured in accordance with their income level and life status. Ask for more details at the municipal office in your area. (4) Benefits Copayment of medical expenses When you receive medical treatment under the insurance coverage, your copayment ratio is 10%. However, if you have an income at a preretirement level, your portion is 30%. Medical expenses In the following cases, you will need to pay the full amount of expenses by yourself; however, once your application is approved, the expenses minus your copayment will be reimbursed: When you have just been employed by a company and not yet received an insurance card; When you purchase medical devices such as a cast; When you have received an acupuncture, moxibustion and massage which your doctor deems medically necessary; or When you have had medical services outside of Japan. High-cost medical care expenses The high-cost medical treatment system is a financial support system for cases where the total amount of medical expenses during a month that are paid for treatment or medications (except the cost for food and bed during in hospital) exceeds a certain limit. In such cases, the over-the-limit amount will be covered. The fixed monthly copayment limit varies with the income level of the insured.
Medical transportation expenses If a patient has a difficulty in moving due to illness or injury, but get transferred dut to an instruction by a doctor, his/her medical transportation expenses will be reimbursed in cash in cases where the following requirements are fulfilled: You have been properly treated at the medical institution where you had been transferred to; The reason why the patient has difficulties in transportation is his/her injury or illness which is the cause of the transportation; It was an emergency and unavoidable.
・Medicine can be purchased at pharmacies and drugstores.
・Medicine is often used to cure diseases and injuries. However, bear in mind that any medicine has side effects and that it should be handled with care.
・If you have any questions about any medicine, consult a pharmacist or a registered drug seller at the drugstore.
* A registered drug seller offers some over-the-counter (OTC) drugs as well.
A pharmacy is a shop where pharmacists prepare and compound prescription medications for you. OTC drugs are also available.
OTC drugs are available at drug stores. However, prescription medications cannot be prepared at drugstores.
Getting a credit card as a foreigner in Japan may be very difficult— especially for students who are still underage, have not lived in Japan for a long time and do not speak Japanese. However, you can consult with your financial institution on whether they will offer you a card, or try other possibilities—e.g., retailers, the post office, department stores, or online services. Even if you are rejected at first, some can get a card when they try again after one year of living in Japan. Keio University also offers different credit card services. Information on these cards can be found in the Alpha bldg. of SFC. Items required when applying for a credit card •Bank account
•Address
•Mobile phone or fixed-line phone
•Resident card
•Parents’ consent for students under 20 years old
The following documents will be required after your arrival. We recommend you to prepare them while you are at your home country.
Also, please make copies of your passport and your visa documents, prepare some extra ID photos (4.5 X 3.5cm), and check the contact number for your embassy in Japan.
Joint guarantor is a co-signer who takes legal responsibility in case the student defaults on payment of rent or damages. They must be over 20 years of age and be a Japanese citizen with regular income (They must be able to prove that the rent is not above 30% of what they earn).
You need find a joint guarantor to rent an apartment before you arrive in Japan and make sure to get his/her contact details and signature to submit to your realtors.
If you are under the age of 20 and plan on getting a mobile phone contract, download the parental consent forms and let your legal guardians fill them out. You will also need copies of your guardian’s identification documents.
*20 is the age of adulthood in Japan.
Followings are the main mobile phone providers.
NTT docomo:
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/charge/discount/hearty/application/
Softbank:
https://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/shop/buy/id/
AU:
https://www.au.com/content/dam/au-com/static/designs/extlib/pdf/support/service/common/document-dl/E-web_02.pdf
Prepare documents to certify the income of your parents/spouse and financial supporters.
– documents for all of your supporters, including your parents (or spouse). If your parent(s) (or spouse) do(es) not have income, states it in the Financial Supporter Report (prescribed form).
– If your parents (or spouse) or financial supporters live outside of Japan, they should submit a copy of documents that certify the income in 2020. An English or Japanese translation must be attached to documents written in other languages. You can also write English or Japanese translations directly onto the documents (the name of the document, year, amount of income, income period, name of the recipient and date of issue must be translated).
"PERMITTED UNDER THE STATUS OF RESIDENCE PREVIOUSLY GRANTED" is a permit required when you intend to operate a business with income that does not belong to your current status of residence or to receive compensation.
This is a permit that accompanies your status of residence, so if you are not engaged in activities based on your current status of residence, you will not be able to carry out activities outside your status.
Also, in the case of a so-called part-time job (comprehensive permit), it is strictly prohibited to work more than 28 hours a week, and the current status of residence itself may not be recognized.
Carry the card with you at all times, and present it when requested by an official or police. You may be required to present it for certain official procedures such as opening a bank account. Once you have found housing in Japan after arrival, you must register your place of residence at the local city/ward office within 14 days after moving in. Make sure to bring your residence card when you go to the city/ward office. If you fail to register your place of residence without a justifiable reason, your status of residence may be revoked.
A. एक सामान्य नियम के रूप में, प्राप्ति की वांछित तिथि से कम से कम 3 व्यावसायिक दिनों में आदेश की पुष्टि करना आवश्यक है।
A. हमारे द्वारा ई-मेल से भुगतान अनुरोध के जवाब में, ग्राहक द्वारा भुगतान किए जाने पर आदेश की पुष्टि की जाएगी।
A. मुझे माफ करना। सेवा की प्रकृति के कारण, हम रिटर्न स्वीकार नहीं कर सकते।
A. रसीद की वांछित तिथि पर, कृपया ईमेल में दिए गए निर्दिष्ट सिक्का लॉकर का उपयोग करें (धन्यवाद ईमेल) और इसे प्राप्त करने के लिए ईमेल में दिए गए पासवर्ड दर्ज करें। जानकारी के लिए, कृपया हमारी सेवा साइट (https://umkqf.com/) के शीर्ष पृष्ठ पर ट्यूटोरियल देखें।
उ। उत्पाद प्राप्ति की वांछित तारीख की आधी रात को दिया जाएगा, इसलिए इसे एक दिन पहले नहीं उठाया जा सकता है। यदि आप प्रस्थान तिथि से पहले इसे प्राप्त करना चाहते हैं, तो कृपया ऑर्डर करते समय वांछित तिथि बताएं।
A. हां, यह संभव है। हालांकि, जब उत्पाद निर्दिष्ट स्थान पर पहुंचाया जाता है, तो हमारी सेवा समाप्त हो जाएगी, यह पासवर्ड के प्रबंधन और पासवर्ड के रिसाव के कारण उत्पाद को खोने के लिए ग्राहक की जिम्मेदारी है।
A. एक सामान्य नियम के रूप में, हम उन वस्तुओं को तैयार करने का इरादा रखते हैं जो निर्यात प्रतिबंधों को पूरा नहीं करते हैं, लेकिन अंतिम निर्णय ग्राहक द्वारा किया जाता है।
उ। हाँ। वर्तमान में, हम केवल क्रेडिट कार्ड से भुगतान करते हैं।
ए।मुझे माफ करना। चूंकि हम आपका ऑर्डर प्राप्त करने के तुरंत बाद वांछित उत्पाद खरीद लेंगे, इसलिए हम भुगतान रद्द करना स्वीकार नहीं कर सकते। कृपया अपने आदेश की पुष्टि करते समय ध्यान से देखें।
उ। सं। आप केवल उन उत्पादों को ऑर्डर कर सकते हैं जिन्हें हमने पहचाना है। कृपया हमें बताएं कि हम ई-मेल का आदान-प्रदान करके जितना संभव हो उतना जवाब देंगे।
ए।हम इसे आइस पैक या सूखी बर्फ के साथ पैक और संग्रहीत करेंगे ताकि ताजगी जितना संभव हो उतना खराब न हो।
ए।हम वर्तमान में व्यक्तिगत वितरण का समर्थन नहीं करते हैं, लेकिन हम भविष्य में इसका समर्थन करने की योजना बना रहे हैं।
The Japanese public pension is a system to provide lifetime social security through mutual generational support. The system is run with the scheme in which contributions paid by working generations goes to pension benefits of people such as the elderly. Scheme for Old-age Basic Pension and Old-age Employees’ Pension
The Japanese National Pension system is a public pension system in which those aged 20 to 59 years who reside in Japan are to enroll. (1) How to enroll the system The insured (participants) are categorized according to their status as follows: i. Category I insured persons Persons who are not in Category II or III, such as those who are self-employed, engage in agriculture or fishery, etc. are categorized in Category I.
・Applications to enroll should be filed at the municipal office in your area. ii. Category II insured persons ・Persons who have already enrolled in Employees’ Pension Insurance system or are categorized in Category II. ・Applications to enroll should be taken care of by the company which employs you. iii. Category III insured persons ・Dependents of Category II insured persons are categorized in Category III. Applications to enroll are taken care of by the company where your spouse (in National Pension Category II) works. * Dependents of Category I insured persons are not categorized in Category III. * Dependent spouses married to persons over 65 years old in Employees’ Pension Insurance system who receive pension benefits are not categorized in Category III, either. (2) Contributions ・Contributions for those of Category I are flat. Those in Category II and III are exempted from payments of National Pension contributions. ・Contributions for those of Category I can be paid in cash when you receive a payment notice, by bank transfer, or with a credit card. ・A discount is applied if the full amount is paid in advance. ・Exemption from payment or contributions postponement options are available if you have difficulties paying contributions if your income has reduced or you have lost your job. ・For more details, please contact your municipal government or a Japan Pension Service (JPS) branch near you. (3) Benefits Old-age Basic Pension ・Persons who have paid contributions for at least 10 years are eligible to receive the Old-age Basic Pension when the insured attains 65 years of age. ・The benefit amount is calculated in accordance with the period during which theinsured has paid contributions. Persons who have paid contributions for 40 years from 20 to 59 years of age can receive the full amount of pension benefits. * The period of time during which the contributions have not been paid cannot be included in the qualifying period for benefits. * The pension benefit amount to be paid to persons who have been exempted from the contributions payment for a period of time will be calculated in accordance with the type of such exemption and the basic pension expenditure ratio in the National Treasury. Disability Basic Pension ・Persons who fulfill all of the following are eligible to receive the Disability Basic Pension: i. A disability has been caused by illness or injuries;
ii.The first doctor consultation about the illness or injuries which have eventually caused the disability in question was carried out while the insured had been covered by the National Pension system; and iii.Contribution payment requirements had been fulfilled at the moment of the first doctor consultation. i. ii. A disability has been caused by illness or injuries; The first doctor consultation about the illness or injuries which have eventually caused the disability in question was carried out while the insured had been covered by the National Pension system; and Contribution payment requirements had been fulfilled at the moment of the first doctor consultation. There are two grades of disabilities. Benefit amount varies from the grade. Disability Grade 1 → Full amount of Old-age Basic Pension x 1.25 Disability Grade 2 → Full amount of Old-age Basic Pension If you have a Child, no matter which grade he corresponds to, an additional amount is paid. Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare Survivors' Basic Pension A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who satisfies the following conditions is eligible to receive Survivors’ Basic Pension. → A “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child” who depended economically on the deceased insured satisfies i or ii below. i. At the moment when an insured or ex-insured died, he had satisfied the ii.●contribution payment requirements.At the moment when an insured who had been qualified for Old-age Basic Pension for 25 years or more died,a “Dependent with a Child” or a “Child”.The amount of Survivors’ Basic Pension is the same as that for the full Basic Pension benefit. An additional amount will be paid if you have a Child.Key point Who is a “Child”?Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare The term “Child” refers to a child or young unmarried person who fulfills following two conditions:Under 18 years,and 18 years old until first 31st March after his birthday; or Under 20 years old with Disability Grade 1 or 2. Lump-sum Death BenefitIf an insured has paid contributions as a Category I insured person for more than 36 months and has not yet received any benefits, a family member can receive the Lump-sum Death Benefit.The benefit amount varies depending on the length of the contribution-paid period and contribution-exempted period.Widow's PensionThis is a benefit for a widow whose husband has died after contributing to the pension system at least for 10 years as a Category I insured person. However, said widow must have been financially supported by him and married to him at least for 10 years by the time of his death. The Widow’s Pension will be paid from 60 to 65 years old.The amount of the pension is 3/4 of the Old-age Basic Pension calculated based only on the period in which the insured husband had been categorized in Category I. 1-2Employees’ Pension Insurance systemEmployees who work for employers who are responsible to enroll their employees in appropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems will enroll Employees’
Pension Insurance by satisfying the enrollment requirements. (The requirements for employers and employees are the same as those in Health Insurance.) Employees who are not eligible for Employees’ Pension Insurance are to enroll in the National Pension system. (1) Eligible members Persons who are under 70 years old and work for employers who are responsible to enroll their employees in appropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems and fulfill the enrollment requirements, are to enroll Employees’ Pension Insurance. * Employers The following employers have a responsibility to enroll their employees in the appropriate employees' health and pension insurance systems: i. Corporations; or ii. Private entities except those in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and service industries and that have five or more employees. (2) Contributions Contributions are calculated as follows: Monthly salary (monthly average remuneration) + bonus (standard bonus amount) × Contribution rate ÷2 * The employee and the company each pay half of the contributions for Employees’ Pension Insurance. (3) Benefits Old-age Employees’ Pension If an insured person in Employees’ Pension Insurance system has a coverage period of at least 10 years, Old-age Employees’ Pension benefit can be received. The amount of the pension varies in accordance with the insured persons’ monthly salary (monthly average remuneration) when paying contributions and the contribution-paid period, etc. * It is possible to receive Old-age Employees’ Pension before your 65th birthday if you Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare meet the contribution payment qualifications.Disability Employees’ PensionPersons who fulfill all of the following can receive Disability Employees’ Pension:i. The first doctor consultation about the illness or injury which have eventually caused the disability in question was carried out while an insured had been covered by Employees’ Pension Insurance;ii. Disabilities have been caused by illness or injuries; andiii. Contribution payment qualifications are fulfilled at the moment of the firstdoctor consultation.There are three grades of disability.Benefit amount varies according to the grade.i. Disability Grade 1 → Old-age Employees’ Pension amount x 1.25ii. Disability Grade 2 and 3 → The same amount as the Old-age Employees’Pension* A minimum benefit amount is reserved for Disability Grade 3. Guaranteed minimumbenefit=Disability Grade 2 Disability Basic Pension amount ×3/4Even if your disabilities are not approved for Disability Employees’ Pension, you may be able to receive benefits for persons with disabilities.Survivors’ Employees’ PensionSurvivor dependents of an insured decedent who fulfill any of the following are eligible to receive Survivor’s Employees’ Pension:i. If the insured fulfills contribution payment qualifications and when he/she has died;ii. If the insured fulfills contribution payment qualifications and when he/she has died within five years from the first doctor consultation on the illness or injuries he/she had been suffered from while he/she had been covered by Employees’ Pension Insurance;iii. When an insured or ex-insured who has the valid coverage period for Old-age Basic Pension over 25 years has died; oriv. When an insured who was eligible to receive Disability Grade 1 or 2 Employee’s Pension died.Survivors’ pension amount is 3/4 of the Old-age Employees’ Pension that the insured would receive.● Key Point Who is a “Survivor”?1-3 Lump-sum Withdrawal PaymentsEligibilityYou may claim Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (LWP) when you leave Japan if you satisfy all conditions as below:1. You do not have Japanese nationality.2. You have been insured under the Employees’ Pension Insurance (EPI) or theNational Pension (NP) for six months or more;3. Your total insured periods for the EPI or the NP are less than 10 years;4. You no longer have a registered address in Japan;5. You are no longer covered by the EPI and the NP;6. You have never been entitled to Japanese public pension benefits includingDisability Allowance.7. Within 2 years after the date you no longer have a registered address in Japan.Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare A “Survivor” is defined as any of the following:1. Spouse (In case of a husband, he must be over 55 years. He can receive a pension from60 years old.)2. Child (as defined in the National Pension system)3. Parents (Over 55 years old. They can receive a pension from 60 years old.)4. Grandchildren (the same conditions as the Children are applicable)5. Grandparents (Over 55 years old. They can receive a pension from 60 years old.)* If a husband is qualified for the Survivors’ Basic Pension, he can receive Survivor Employees’ Pension from 55 years old.* Parents, Grandchildren and Grandparents can receive the benefit according to the priority ranking.
Important notes for the application Before applying for Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments (LWP), please read through the following notes: 1. When you apply for LWP, all your insured periods in the past shall be used as the base to calculate your LWP amount. Once LWP are entitled to you, these insured periods will no longer be valid. Therefore, please carefully consider before claiming LWP. * An application form for LWP is downloadable at the JPS (Japan Pension Service) website. Please also read the notes on the application form carefully. 2. If you still have a registered address in Japan on the day when the JPS receives your application, your application will be rejected. Please submit a move-out notice to the municipal office where you live before you apply for LWP. 3. In case you submit your application while you are still in Japan before you move to another country, please submit your application so that it arrives at the JPS after the move-out (planned) date on the residence certificate. 4. The amount of payment of LWP will be calculated based on your insured periods up to a certain number of years. This maximum number of years will be raised from April 2021. Specifically, the maximum number of years according to your insured periods is as follows: ・If your insured periods is only in and before March 2021: It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 3 years (36 months). ・If your insured periods includes in and after April 2021. It will be calculated based on your insured periods up to 5 years (60 months). Further, if you are going to stay in Japan for several times, with your insured periods expected to be the maximum number of years or more in total, and plan to receive your LWP to be calculated based on the whole length of your insured periods, you might need to claim LWP every time you move out of Japan. ☛ Visit the following JPS website for more details about Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments and the application form including mailing address. https://www.nenkin.go.jp/service/jukyu/todoke/kyotsu/20150406.html
Key Point Social Security Agreement 2 Long-Term Care Insurance In Japan, there is a Long-Term Care Insurance system where the whole of society supports the elderly who need nursing care, etc. The insured pay premiums and when they need long-term care, they can use the long-term care service by paying their co- payment. 2-1 Eligibility Persons who are over 40 years old and who will reside in Japan longer than three months have to get enrolled in the system. 2-2 Premiums The insured in this system pay a premium calculated in accordance with their income in the previous year. The amount of premium varies not only from the income but also from the age of the insured and the area they lives in. 1. Over 65 years old member (Primary insured persons) As a general rule, the premium is deducted from your pension. (You should pay in cash when you receive a payment notice.) 2. Over 40 and under 65 years old member (Secondary insured persons) The premium will be deducted together with that for medical insurance. ☛ See the following URL for details about Long-Term Care Insurance (Secondary insured persons): https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_10548.html 2-3 Long-Term Care service The process for using the long-term care service: Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare Japan has concluded Social Security Agreements with several countries. If you have insured periods of a country that has a totalization agreement with Japan, you may be entitled to a benefit(s) from Japan or/and the other country, even if your insured periods of each country is insufficient for the entitlement, by totalizing the insured periods of both countries. ☛ See the list of contracting countries of the Agreements on the website of the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
3 i. Apply for a certificate for Long-Term Care/Support Need at the municipal office in your area. Your application needs to be approved. * You need to be certified for long-term care/support services. * Once you apply, your physical and mental conditions will be checked and you will be notified of the result generally within 30 days. ii. Request a Care Plan from a Care Manager or a Community General Support Center in your area. * If you are going to move into a long-term care facility, apply to the facility directly. iii. Service is provided according to a Care Plan. * Long-term preventive care and life support services are available for persons who are not certified for long-term care. Ask at your municipal office for further information.
This is a benefit for Children (※) in single-parent household.
Persons who are in custody of Children as listed below can receive the allowance:
i. Children whose parents are divorced;
ii. Children whose father or mother has died;
iii. Children whose father or mother has disabilities of a particular grade; or
iv. Children for whom it is not clear whether their father or mother is alive or
dead.
(*) ”Children” means persons who are under 18 years old or younger until the first 31st
March after their 18th birthday, or persons who are under 20 with certain disabilities.
Monthly allowance * In FY2020
First child/Where you have one child
In full: 43,160 yen Partial payment: from 43,150 to 10,180 yen
Additional amount for the second child and subsequent children
Chapter 7 Pension and Welfare [Second child]In full: 10,190 yen Partial payment: from 10,180 to 5,100 yen [Per child including the third and subsequent children]In full: 6,110 yen Partial payment: From 6,100 to 3,060 yen* The benefit amount varies from year to year depending on the inflation rate. Those whose income in the previous year had reached a certain standard cannot receive it. When you receive a public pension, etc., the allowance will only be paid partially, or will not be paid. For further information, ask at the municipal office in your area.3-3 Special Child Rearing Allowance (for parents of children with disabilities)This is a benefit for parents and guardians in households where children are under 20 years old and have physical or mental disabilities.* If the income of the parents in the previous year reached a certain level, the allowancewill not be provided. For further information, ask at the municipal office in your area.Benefit amount* In FY2020 (the amount varies every year in linked with prices)In case of children with extremely severe disabilities (equivalent to Disability Grade 1 for the basic pension)Per child 52,500 yen/monthIn case of children with severe disabilities (equivalent to Disabilities Grade 2 for the basic pension)Per child 34,970 yen/month3-4 Severe Disability PremiumThis is an extra allowance to help children and young persons under 20 who have severe physical or mental disabilities and need consistent nursing care.* If a qualified person had an income at a certain level in the previous year, the premiumwill not be granted. Contact your municipal office for more details.Benefit amount* In FY2020 (the amount varies every year linked to retail prices): 14,880 yen/month
Welfare for persons with disabilities
4-1 Certification for Persons with Disabilities
If a person has physical, intellectual or mental disabilities, a Certification for Persons with Disabilities is issued according to the grade of his or her disability as a certificate. With this certification, a tax reduction and discounts on transportation fares are applied.
Types of Certification for Persons with Disabilities
Physical disability certificate: for persons who have permanent physical disabilities Intellectual disability certificate: for persons who have mental disabilities
Mental disability certificate: for those have mental disabilities which cause them difficulties and limitations in social life
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/hukushi_kaigo/ shougaishahukushi/techou.html
For details, please contact your local municipal office.
Various types of public services, such as nursing and rehabilitation training, are available for persons with disabilities.
Nursing and development support are also available for children and young persons with disabilities.
For further information on public services for persons with disabilities, contact your municipal office.
Upon meeting the requirements indicated in 5-1, if a household’s income does not reach the minimum standard of living, public support may be given to bridge the difference between the income and the standard. * The minimum standard of living is determined by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. Foreign nationals who fulfill the following condition may be eligible for the assistance: Persons whose status of residence does not have any limitations on their activities inJapan: Permanent Resident, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, Long-Term ResidentFor more details, please consult the municipal office in your area.
(1) Utilizing Assets If you have any savings or land/buildings that are not in use, turn them into cash to cover your living expenses. (2) Utilizing Skills If you can work, make the best of your skills. (3) Other Allowances If you are eligible for pensions and/or any allowances, apply for them.
The types of assistance will be determined according to what is necessary to live.
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Foreigners who want to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 will receive a vaccination ticket from their municipality.
https://cb762f7f-db54-440a-9ff2-ec8be5f256df.usrfiles.com/ugd/cb762f_8bfc6ee96d5b40299111911cf6ffe817.pdf
The biggest Japanese mobile phone companies are NTT docomo, au, Softbank and Rakuten Mobile. There are also several smaller companies which provide low-cost cell phone plans, but they typically use the networks of the big four companies. To purchase a mobile phone with a contract, your residence card are required to enroll into a subscription plan. You pay for your phone usage at the end of a monthly billing cycle. Handsets can be purchased in full or in monthly installments. If you wish to make direct payments from your bank account, also present your bank book (通帳 tsucho) and personal seal if you used one on your bank documents. Otherwise, you have to present your credit card which must be under the contractor’s name. Please note that if you have a one-year-residence status, you may not be able to pay the cost of the phone each month and then the amount you are calling and using data for on top of that, but have to pay cash up front for the phone. You have to bring 20,000-80,000 JPY to purchase a phone depending on the model you want to buy.
Persons under the age of 20 must bring a parental consent form filled out by the legal guardian and the identification documents of the legal guardian such as a passport copy including the passport number, name, date of birth and current address if there is one in the passport or certificate of residence.
NTT docomo, au, Softbank have shops close to Shonandai station. What to Bring When Purchasing a Mobile Phone with a Contract • •Residence card • •Passport • •Bank book • •Personal Seal • •Parental Consent 1. Form (for students under 20 yrs old)
Letter of Consent Downloads
NTT docomo
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp /english/support/procedure/ document/form_download/i ndex.html
Softbank
http://www.softbank.jp/en/m obile/shop/buy/id/
AU
http://www.au.kddi.com/englis h/support/contract/
Please download the parental consent form from each phone companies’ websites from the right column.
The details of the contract can be filled out afterwards.
If you want to use a smart phone from your country with a SIM card that you purchase here in Japan, you have to present a credit card that is under the same name as the contractor. Since the credit cards from overseas are sometimesrejected, you may not want to choose a SIM card for a smart phone in Japan right after arriving.
Plan on visiting your doctor and getting a physical examination before you leave your home country to ensure you are in good health. We recommend that you bring along a copy of your medical records in English in case of an emergency or if you are suffering from a chronic illness.
The importing of medicines from overseas is subject to control by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law and the Customs Law to prevent health hazard caused by defective products.
You can bring your personal medicines into Japan once certain procedures are completed. When you bring your personal medicines into Japan, you have to apply for “Import Confirmation Application Form” (“Yunyu Kakunin-sho” in Japanese/輸入確認書), and receive it before you leave home, and declare it to the officer at customs.
Please see the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website as below;
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health-medical/pharmaceuticals/01.html
You can find the “Q & A form” and “Import Confirmation Application Form” on the page.
Life in a foreign country with different culture and habits can be challenging, but a wonderful experience. This chapter provides some useful information for living in Japan.
The currency in Japan is the yen (JPY).
The yen notes are divided into 4 bills: ¥1,000, ¥2,000, ¥5,000, ¥10,000. On the other hand, yen coins are divided into 6: ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, ¥500.
Even though it is finally becoming cashless society, there are still lots of shops which only take cash, especially outside of Tokyo. You do need to carry certain amount of cash all the time.
The Consumption tax rate in Japan is 10%, except for food stuffs which is 8%. The 10% consumption tax is applied when you eat and/or drink at the eating space of suppliers like fast food chains, convenience stores and others. Price tags have to include the Consumption tax amount.
Tipping is not customary in Japan. In fact, it can be considered rude and insulting in many situations. If you leave the money at a restaurant table, they will run after you to return the “forgotten” money.
円(en) Japanese yen
消費税(shouhi-zei) consumption tax
Monthly living expenses in Japan for a student from overseas (including tuition) on average nationwide comes to about 138,000 yen. The most expensive region is the Kanto region at 151,000 yen. The Kanto region includes Tokyo, where the monthly living expenses average 154,000 yen.
Free public Wi-Fi networks in Japan are provided by big cities, but are sparse in the countryside and mountainous regions.
While it’s increasing the numbers of Wi-Fi hot spots, there are still not enough free Wi-Fi services available to rely on for the regular usage.
Following facilities provide free Wi-Fi service. Some require pre- registration via the service’s website.
International airports (Narita, Haneda)
Hotels
Some cafes/restaurants (Starbucks, McDonald’s, etc.) JR and subway stations in big cities
Shopping malls (lala port, etc.)
Supermarket (Ito Yokado, etc.)
List of Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi Hot Spots
https://www.ntt- bp.net/jcfw/area/index.h tml
Japan Post, one of the main delivery services in Japan, provides a range of postal services including the delivery of postcards, letters, parcels, and registered mail, as well as banking and insurance services. Takuhaibin Delivery Services are convenient for sending parcels, luggage, and various other types of goods from door to door nationwide. You can send takuhaibin any time of a day from any convenience stores while post offices are only open from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays (Few big post offices are open on Saturdays). Though, only Japan post is handling international mails. Delivery is usually made by the next day, and costs are moderate. You will receive mail and packages through either Japan Post or Takuhaibin Delivery Services once you start to live in Japan. Except for standard mail, if you are not at home during a delivery, a delivery notice slip will be left in your mailbox. You should check your mailbox regularly, and if you find a notice slip, contact the designated phone number or access the website to schedule a redelivery. Instructions on how to schedule a redelivery are usually written on the slip. The delivery companies usually keep your item for 1 to 2 weeks before it is returned to the sender due to no redelivery request made. Takuhaibin delivery service is useful when you want to send your big suitcases from the airport to your apartment/dormitory or send your snowboard to a mountain hotel. You can even use takuhaibin service for your moving unless you have lots of belongings. For international mail service, you have EMS from Japan Post, DHL, and FedEX.
Postal Service Japan Post https://www.post.japanp ost.jp/index_en.html Takuhaibin Nippon Express https://www.nipponexpr ess.com/ Yamato Transport https://www.kuronekoya mato.co.jp/en/ Sagawa Express https://www.sagawa- exp.co.jp/english/
The bus fee can be paid by cash or by electric payments.
If you pay the fee in cash, it is highly recommended that you have the exact fare ready before boarding the bus. You will not get any change back if you drop more than your fare into the fare box. You can also change 1,000 JPY bill, 500 JPY coin and 100 JPY coin into smaller denominations by putting them in the change machine next to the fare box. Please change the money before you drop it in the fare box.
If you pay the fee by electric payments, please obtain an IC card; Pasmo or Suica. They are rechargeable prepaid rail cards. Prepaid cards are sold at ticket vending machines in train stations. A 500 JPY deposit will be deducted from the cash amount you charge the card with. (You can get this money back when you return the card to a ticket office)
When using prepaid cards on a bus, you should swipe it over a contactless reader when boarding/disembarking. You can top up the card at the ticket vending machines in train stations, but bus drivers can also help you top up the card.
Whether you pay the bus fee at boarding or at disembarking depends on a bus. (Shonandai area). Please check with the driver or ask other passengers when to pay.
• Use roadways in principle. Riding on sidewalks is allowed only in exceptional cases. • Keep to the left on roadways. • On sidewalks, pedestrians have the right-of-way. Slow down and keep to the side closest to the roadway. • Do not ride under the influence of alcohol. • Do not carry a passenger. • Do not ride side-by-side. • Use your front light after dark. • Do not ride bicycles that are not equipped with a font light or brakes
Many foreign students wish to work part-time in order to pay their tuition or living expenses. However, under the status of residence of “Student,” which is given to all international students, they are originally allowed to reside in Japan only for the purpose of studying at school. Therefore, if anyone resides in Japan with the status of “Student” and still wishes to take a paid part-time job, the person is required to obtain an official permission called “Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted by the Status of Residence Previously Granted” from the nearest regional immigration bureau.
l immigration bureau.
If you intend to pursue a paid internship, it is necessary to obtain a permit from the Immigration Bureau to engage in part-time work. The allowed working hours are the same as for part-time jobs. Before you start your internship, it is your responsibility to check in advance about the duration of the internship and whether you will be compensated. If you will not receive compensation for the internship, you do not need to apply for this permit.
How easy it will be to find a part-time job largely depends on your language ability and what kind of job you wish to do. If you have some proficiency in Japanese, it can be easy to find a job as a translator, or at a restaurant or in another position with customer services, which offer the opportunity to improve your Japanese and get a sense of Japanese work ethic. However, language cafes or places frequently visited by international customers often also hire international staff without Japanese language skills.
Another popular part-time job is language teaching, either private students or helping out at elementary schools.
Gaijinpot: https://jobs.gaijinpot.c om/index/index/lang/en
Craigslist http://tokyo.craigslist.org
Job@chikyujin https://job.chikyujin.jp Tokyo Notice Board http://www.tokyonotic eboard.co.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Labor Consultation Center Offices http://www.hataraku.m etro.tokyo.jp/soudan- c/center/e/index.html
Disputes at Part-Time Jobs
Consultation services are provided regarding work related issues such as labor contract, conditions, paid holidays, working hours and etc.
Besides fine-dining restaurants and cafes, you can eat out at casual- dining restaurants including fast food chain restaurants. Fast food chain restaurants have wide varieties from ramen to hamburgers, from gyudon to conveyor belt sushi. Family restaurants are popular among students as well. Also, you can buy small snack such as lunch box, sandwiches, and onigiri at any convenience store.
Cheapest way of eating food is always cooking by yourself. Buying foods from supermarkets are economical. Wholesale markets are known even cheaper than ordinary supermarkets.
Don’t forget to take your shopping bag as they started to charge you plastic bags from July 2020.
Common tip: fresh and cooked items are often marked down by 10- 70% near the closing time of supermarkets.
Finding vegetarian food in Japan can be difficult as the cultural understanding of vegetarian is loose. Most of the restaurants do not have vegetarian menus unless you choose special vegetarian restaurants (relatively expensive). Restaurant staffs will happily remove meat from your plates if you ask, but they may forget that “dashi” (soup stock) is made of fish. Please use the vocabularies on the right to ask staff to adjust your plate. Try using a search engine for vegan and vegetarian restaurants as well.
Halal food might be much harder to find than vegetarian food. There was a case a young waiter served a bacon sandwich to a customer who asked for halal food. (It did not occur to him that bacons are pork.)
Garbage (gomi) disposal is carried out at the municipal level. Please check with your landlord or your dormitory manager for the local garbage rules.
You are expected to observe all rules and regulations concerning garbage disposal and recycling in your city.
Roughly speaking, there are three broad categories of garbage for disposal purposes:
Combustibletrash(kitchenandotherfoodgarbage,etc)
Non-combustibletrash(metals,glass,porcelain,rubberproducts,etc) Recyclabletrash(plastic,paper,bins,cans,magazines,etc.)
Each category is collected separately on a designated day. Usually, you are supposed to put garbage in certain space to avoid crows and cats.
For oversized garbage (sodai gomi), like furniture, bedding, home appliances, municipalities have different ways of collecting it. In some places, certain days are set for collecting oversized garbage. In other places, you need to notify the municipal administrative office in advance, and then dispose of the garbage on the assigned day. There are also some places that require you to pay collection fees in advance. Collection fees may vary according to the size and kind of garbage. Therefore, please confirm with the municipality or sanitation office on how to dispose of oversized garbage. Please note that the following seven appliances are not considered oversized garbage:
air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and computers.
可燃ゴミ(kanen gomi) combustible trash
不燃ゴミ(funen gomi) non-combustible trash
リサイクルゴミ (risaikuru gomi) recyclable trash
粗大ゴミ(sodai gomi) oversized trash
You can apply at the branch office of the Immigration Bureau of Japan, which has jurisdiction over your area.
Please refer to the following for the jurisdiction.
If you do not have a local branch office nearby, you can apply to the nearest branch office.
If you make a reservation at the Foreign Residents Support Center near Yotsuya Station, you can consult in various languages.
03ー5363ー3025(Reservation phone number)
https://cb762f7f-db54-440a-9ff2-ec8be5f256df.usrfiles.com/ugd/cb762f_204f046764fa40f685464fa8bfaa264a.pdf
While most things are readily available in Japan, some items may be more expensive, difficult to be mailed internationally, or simply inconvenient to purchase here, so you may wish to bring particular items with you from home.
Recommendations include:
Clothes Temperatures in the Kanto region can range from about 10 degrees Fahrenheit (around 1~2ºC) in the winter to 100 (around 35ºC) and humid in the summer. For this reason, a wide range of clothing sufficient for the entire year is necessary. Do not forget to pack formal clothes like black suits which are suitable for ceremonial occasions as well. If you need big size clothes (more than L), bring them from your home country as it is not easy to obtain those sizes in Japan. (same with underwear) Also, if your feet are bigger than 28cm~for men, 25cm~for women, it may be difficult to find shoes in Japan. *Recently, more variety is available online.
Counter medicines aspirins, cold medicine, stomach medicine, and other medicines you used to take. One-month supply of prescription medication is allowed. Please check the medical page for more details.
Back-up for glasses/contact lenses You can buy them in Japan, but you need to visit a doctor to get a prescription to purchase contact lenses. Back-up lenses will be useful for emergency.
Other personal items Good deodorant and greeting cards are some things you can’t find easily in Japan.
Electric adaptor/a voltage converter Japan operates on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60 Hz. Socket type is a Type A (two prong like U.S).
SIM / Wi-fi router As Japan does not have many free Wi-fi spots, you will need to make a contract with a phone company once you are settled in Japan. Until then, you can use a short-term pre-paid SIM or Wi-fi router. You can pick one up at the airport of your arrival.
Cash (a credit card and a cash card if possible)
Flight tickets
Passport
Travel insurance certificate (if any)
A pen
Contact list (Contact information of your embassy in Japan, Keio university, your guarantor, and your accommodation)
Masks (Under the Covid-19 situation, the face mask wearing rate in Japan is almost 100% except for small children)
Please check Japan Customs page.
https://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm
Non-Japanese citizens under the following conditions must pay tax in Japan: Persons who earn income in Japan; →As a rule, individual income tax is imposed on income. Persons who have a registered address in Japan as of January 1. →Individual Inhabitant Taxes are also imposed. (The amount of the tax varies in accordance with your income in the prior year.) Consumption tax is also imposed when you stay at a hotel or eat at a restaurant,etc. ● Key Point National Tax and Local Tax Chapter 8 Tax Japanese taxes are divided into National and Local Taxes, depending on to whom the tax is paid. Taxes paid to the national government, such as Individual Income Tax, are called National Taxes. Taxes paid to the prefectural or municipal government, such as Individual Inhabitant Tax, are called Local Taxes.
Individual Income Tax is a tax imposed on personal income earned in a year starting from January 1 through December 31.
The tax is calculated as follows:
1. Gross income - Expenses, etc. = Net income (A)
2. Net income (A) − Deductions (see 1-3) = Taxable income (B)
3. Taxable income (B) × tax rate
The tax rate gradually rises along with the increase taxable income (B).
The scope of individual income tax varies according to the following types of residence:
(1) Residents
Persons who have a registered address (“domicile”) in Japan, or who have had a residence for over a year until the present (except (2) Non-Permanent Residents) are termed Residents.
→ All worldwide income of Residents that is earned inside and outside of Japan is
subject to income tax.
● Key Point “Domicile” and “Residence”
(2) Non-Permanent Residents
Within the term “Residents” as defined in (1) above, those who do not have Japanese nationality and for whom the time they have had a domicile or residence in Japan within the period of past 10 years is five years or less in total are termed Non-Permanent Residents.
→ 1Their income other than earned outside Japan, and 2 their income earned outside Japan as long as it is paid within Japan or is remitted to Japan is subject to income tax.
(3) Non-Residents
Persons who are not qualified as Residents are termed Non-Residents.
→ Only their income earned within Japan, such as salary, wages, other payments given for your work, etc. is subject to income tax.
Income tax is self-assessed, with the annual income and the tax to be imposed on it calculated. Taxpayers submit a tax return to the tax office to determine the tax obligation while adjusting the withheld amount (see 1-4) within the due date. This procedure is called filing a tax return.
(1) Persons who need to file a tax return The majority of persons who receive salaries and wages do not need to file a tax return, since their tax obligations are determined by their income tax being withheld (see 1-4) and later adjusted in the final salary paid to them in a calendar year (see 1-4). However, persons to whom any of the following apply must file a tax return: Persons who have one employer and their total amount of their income other than salary income and severance allowance exceeds 200,000 yen; Persons who have more than one employer and the total amount of salary income which has not been adjusted in their year’s final salary and income other than salaries and severance allowance exceeds 200,000 yen; or Persons who have income from business or stock trading and are required to pay income tax according to the calculation. If there is any tax to pay, taxpayers have to pay such amount in full by the due date. (The tax office will not send any notifications regarding this.) The following methods can be used to pay tax: 1. Automatic account transfer from your domestic bank account 2. Online payment via Direct Payment or Internet banking 3. Online payment with your credit card; or 4. Over-the-counter payment with a tax payment slip (at banks, post offices, convenience stores or tax offices) (2) Persons who are eligible for a tax refund by filing a tax return If it is found out that you are eligible for a deduction (see 1-3) from your withheld tax (see 1-4), you can receive a refund of the tax you have overpaid by filing a tax return. The refund will be remitted to your account at a post office or a bank. If you have not overpaid income tax due to withheld tax or the like, you cannot receive a tax refund. (3) When to file a tax return and pay tax Income tax consultation and payments for every tax year must be done between
February 16 and March 15 of the following year. ※ Tax office do not accept, as a general rule, consultations or the submission of tax return on days they are closed (weekends, national holidays, etc.). The due date for income tax payment is March 15. ※ If this due date (March 15) falls on weekends or national holidays, it will be extended to the following business day. (4) When you leave Japan If you leave Japan and unregister your Japanese address, your income tax must be adjusted in your year’s final salary while you are in Japan. If you need to file a tax return due to one of cases in (1) applying to you, you have to do so and pay any tax you owe before you leave Japan. If you carry out any procedures relating to tax payment after you leave Japan, you have to appoint a tax agent who resides in Japan and send a “Declaration Naming a Person to Administer the Taxpayer’s Tax Affairs for Income Tax and Consumption Tax” to the tax office with jurisdiction. The agent will take care of the procedures after you leave Japan. 1-3 Major tax deductions Taking each individual’s circumstances into consideration, a certain amount of deductions is applicable on your income tax calculation (see the formula in 1 above) if you fulfill the following: In case of a Non-Resident (see 1-1 (3)), only limited types of deductions are applicable. (1) If you give economic support to your family; In the case where you financially support a family member, and the total income of such dependent is 480,000 yen or less(380,000 yen or less in or before 2019), you can recieve a certain amount of incomededuction on your income tax calculation. If your dependent family member is Non-Resident (see 1-1(3)), you have to attach the following documents to a tax return form or show them when you submit your tax return form at a tax office:
1. Family registration (a copy of your family’s koseki); and 2. Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident family member. (2) If you are married; If you are married and satisfy certain requirements, a certain amount of deduction is applicable to your income. If your spouse is Non-Resident (See 1-1(3),) you have to attach the following documents to a tax return form or show them when you submit the tax return form at a tax office: 1. A marriage certificate (a copy of family registration, etc.); and 2. Remittance slips or other documents to certify that you support your non-resident spouse. (3) If you pay social insurance; If you pay social insurance (Health insurance, National Pension, Employee’s pension insurance, etc.) for yourself, your spouse and other family members who depend on you for their livelihood, you can receive an income deduction depending on the amount of the insurance premiums. (4) If you pay life insurance premiums; or If you pay a certain amount of life insurance premiums, long term medical care insurance premiums and/or pension insurance premiums, you can receive a certain amount of income deduction. (5) If you have spent a significant amount of medical expenses; If the total amount of medical expenses spent by a taxpayer, his spouse and/or other family members who depend on such taxpayer for their livelihood exceeds a certain amount, you can receive an income deduction depending on the amount of the medical expenses.
Persons who receive salaries and wages pay income tax in the withholding tax system. When their salaries or wages are paid, income tax is subtracted (withheld) from them by their employer. Tax is adjusted in the final salary or wage in a calendar year (year-end adjustment). A withholding record with the annual gross salary printed on it is issued by an employer and provided to the salary receiver.
If your country and Japan have concluded an income tax convention, your income tax may be relieved by fulfilling certain requirements.
This is a tax you are obliged to pay to the prefectural and municipal offices with jurisdiction over your address as of January 1.
Individual Inhabitant Taxes consist of an income-graded component which is assessed on your income for the preceding year and a flat-rate component whose amount is regardless of your amount of income.
The Individual Inhabitant Taxes to be paid to your prefecture will be paid to your municipal government together with the one for your municipality.
There are two ways of paying: 1 Special collection: The company that employs you withholds your Individual Inhabitant Taxes from your salary and pays it to your municipal government. As a rule, employees themselves do not need to pay the taxes to the municipal office. 2 Ordinary collection: When you receive a written tax demand from your local government, go to the government office yourself with the demand you have received and the amount of taxes indicated on it. (※)
(※) You may pay your tax at the post office or a convenience store. See the instructions indicated on the letter from your local government.
Please note the following regarding Individual Inhabitant Taxes: 1 2 3 The taxes must be paid to the municipality where you have had your registered address on January 1. Even if you leave Japan on January 2 or after, you still have an obligation to pay the tax. When those who pay the taxes by special collection (see 2-21) terminate their employment, the outstanding tax balance must be paid by ordinary collection (see 2-22). However, there is another way to pay them to your municipality, namely, requesting that the company that employed you withhold the taxes from any salary or severance allowance that would be paid to you. If you cannot pay your Individual Inhabitant Taxes before you leave Japan, you must appoint a tax agent who resides in Japan and will pay the tax for you, and notify the municipal office of such perso
The Consumption Tax at the rate of is 10% (Standard tax rate) is applied to the purchase of goods and services in Japan. In the case of the purchase of food and drink excluding alcoholic drink and dining out, the rate of 8% (Reduced tax rate) is applied.
(1) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax with an environmental performance- based tax reduction When you purchase an automobile or a light automobile When you purchase an automobile or a light automobile, you have to pay Automobile Tax or Light Motor Vehicle Tax with an environmental performance-based tax reduction. (The amount of the environmental performance-based tax reduction is determined
according to an automobile’s or light automobile’s fuel efficiency and other elements.) (2) Automobile Tax / Light Motor Vehicle Tax and tax reduction according to engine size If you have an automobile Persons who have an automobile (engine size over 660 cc) as of April 1, are obliged to pay Automobile Tax, a tax reduction will be applied according to its engine size. (※) (The amount of the tax reduction is calculated based on the engine size and other elements.) (※) Instructions regarding the tax amount and payment method are given on a letter sent to you by the prefectural government. If you have a light automobile Persons who have a light automobile as of April 1 whose engine size is 660 cc or less are obliged to pay Light Motor Vehicle Tax, a tax reduction will be applied according to its engine size. (※) (The tax amount is calculated based on the engine size, etc.) (※) Instructions regarding the tax amount and payment method are given on a letter sent to you by the municipal office.
When you have your automobile or light automobile inspected
Vehicle Weight Tax is imposed according to the weight of your vehicle when it is inspected.
You are obliged to pay property tax if you have any of the following as of January 1 each year:
1 Land;
2 Buildings; or
3 Depreciable assets.
You have to declare the depreciable assets you have.
The amount to pay will be calculated by the municipal office based on the values of the assets.
Pay the tax to the municipal office where your asset is located.
(1) By Telephone (Call center)
English speakers will answer general inquiries about National Taxes at the following Tax Payment Call Centers:
Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau 03-3821-9070
Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau (transfer to the Call Center from the main number) 06-6941-5331
Nagoya Regional Taxation Bureau 052-971-2059
(2) Tax Answers (FAQ on taxes)
☛ You can find FAQs and general answers to them via the link below:
https://www.nta.go.jp/english/taxes/index.htm
(3) National Tax Agency website
This website provides useful information on filing and paying national taxes.
☛ Click the link below or scan the QR code for further information: https://www.nta.go.jp/english/index.htm
Search
(1) Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website ☛ What is the resident tax? (For foreign residents working in Japan) https://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_zeisei/czaisei/c zaisei_seido/individual- inhabitant-tax.html (2) Ask at a prefectural or municipal office in your area for more details.
110 for Police 警察(keisatsu)
119 for Ambulance or Fire 救急/消防(kyu-kyu/sho bo)
Theft If you have been robbed or had valuable belongings stolen, dial 110. Toll-free. No area code is necessary. Tell the operator your name, address, the location of the accident or incident, and what happened. Or contact a nearby koban. Koban, police box, are located in all Japanese towns and cities. Most of them are near train stations. You will be asked to submit a theft report. Clearly state your name and address and report the incident. If your bank card or credit card was stolen, notify the bank or credit card company immediately so they can prevent any unauthorized transactions. It is important to keep your PIN separate from these cards and not to share it with others.
交番(koban) police box 盗難届(tonan todoke) a theft report 泥棒(doroboo) a theft
Traffic Accidents If you happen to be involved in a traffic accident, contact the police immediately by dialing 110. If anyone has been injured or wounded, dial 119 for an ambulance. Even if you believe you only have a minor injury, some injuries may become more serious with time. Do not try and evaluate yourself and tell people you are fine. Consult a doctor as soon as possible, as the onset of pain may be delayed or there may be other complications later on. Always record the names and addresses of the other parties involved, including the car owner, even if there is so little damage that you do not need to call the police. Record the license plate numbers of all vehicles involved. You might also want to record the names and addresses of witnesses who happened to be there. You may need this information to verify the accident with the insurance company. 交通事故(kotsu jiko) traffic accidents 火事(kaji) fire Japanese Phrases for Emergency Calls The following Japanese phrases may be helpful:
Make sure you stay at the site. Don't go anywhere while calling or after the call. Don't switch off your phone after the call when calling "110" or “119” from your mobile phone. Sudden Illness/Serious Injury If you have been injured or suddenly feel ill (especially during night hours), call 119. If you can move, prepare the following items while you are waiting for an ambulance car for 3-5 mins. •National Health Insurance card •Your ID (Residence card/student card) •Cash (~20,000JPY) •Your mobile phone and its charger •Medical record (if any) •*Shoes and changes *If you call an ambulance in midnight from your bed, they will take you to the hospital directly from your bed. It means you will be left in pajamas without shoes at the hospital after the treatment. An ambulance staff will ask you your emergency contact in Japan. You can tell your guar あ antor’s name or your friend’s name. If you don’t have any to provide, tell them to call Keio SFC student life section.
Natural Disasters Earthquakes Japan is prone to earthquakes (jishin) and you should be prepared for when one happens. If you are indoors: Strong tremors usually continue for only about one minute. Do not rush outside in a panic; it is safer to stay inside than rush outside. 1) Protect yourself: Quickly duck under a sturdy table or desk to protect yourself from falling objects. If there is nothing to hide under, protect your head with a cushion or book. It may be wise to move to a room with less furniture. 2) Secure a safe exit: Doors and windows may not open due to distortion from strong tremors, so you may end up trapped in a room. During a strong earthquake, open a door or window to secure a way out if it is safe to do so. 3) Put out any flames: In case of major tremors, put out any flames after the shaking subsides. Make sure to close all gas valves even if there is no fire. To avoid a fire after electricity is restored, switch off the circuit breakers and any appliances. 4) Be aware of aftershocks: There may be aftershocks after a big earthquake, so be cautious around objects such as drawers, bookshelves, and refrigerators that are tilting or may be unstable. They may fall over during an aftershock. Turn on a radio to listen to the Emergency Broadcast System and follow instructions. Avoid using the telephone if a large number of homes in your area have been affected by a disaster. Emergency responders need to have the telephone lines available to coordinate their response. If you are outdoors: Stay away from narrow streets, garden walls, cliffs, and riverbanks. Beware of falling objects if you are near buildings. Protect your head (by holding something like a bag over your head if you are carrying one) and quickly flee to a safe area. 地震(jishin) Daily Countermeasures Relation with neighbors Have face-to-face relationships with neighbors in order to mutually assist in the event of a disaster. Prevent fall of furniture Secure furniture with seismic brackets or other devices that prevent furniture from tipping over. Also, it is recommended to put window films on glass windows to prevent broken glass from flying. (You need to ask approval from the owner of your apartment.) Locate evacuation facility and wide-area evacuation site Make sure you know the location of the emergency exit of your apartment along with public evacuation areas and shelters (hinan basho--usually parks or schoolyards) closest to your home and university. An evacuation map will be given to you when you register your address at a municipal office. 避難場所(hinan basho) evacuation areas and shelters Prepare Emergency Pack In case of an emergency, ensure that you have a disaster preparedness kit including the following items: • •first-aid kit • •bottled water for a week • •canned or packaged foods (with can opener) for a week • •portable radio (with working batteries) • •flashlight, spare batteries • •copy of your ID card/passport/national health insurance card • •cash (including coins) • •savings passbook • •medicine • •list of emergency contact • •towels/wet wipes/tissues/sanitary items • •rain gear • •pens • •phone charger • •glasses (for those using contact lenses) • •a helmet • •thick cotton gloves • •sports shoes (roads might be full of debris or broken glass) • •plastic bags for garbage • •plastic container (you can keep water in the container when water is distributed.) • •survival blanket (you may spend few weeks on the floor of a gymnasium) • •a whistle (It will let responders know you need help and lead them to you even if you are under a building and can’t shout for a help.) You can also purchase a full-set kit.
Tsunami Ensure that you evacuate immediately if you feel a strong earthquake when you are on the coast. RUN!! LEAVE EVERYTHING ELSE BEHIND! A tsunami may be coming within minutes. Move quickly to higher ground away from the coast, at least ten meters above sea level, or if possible move at least one kilometer away from all beaches and the water's edge of harbors and coastal estuaries. Do not take cars for evacuation. When the tsunami warning is announced, a siren sounds and orange flags will be displayed in the beach area. If you cannot leave the area, take shelter in the upper story of a concrete multi-story building or tsunami evacuation towers built along the beach line. Please check the evacuation buildings along the coast line beforehand. For example, the rooftop of Enoshima aquarium is an evacuation point (15m above sea level). Some utility pole in coast area has a signboard indicating the height above the sea level. If you happen to be in Enoshima island at the time of earthquake, do not try to go back to the mainland. Go up to the top of the island. (60m above sea level) The island is made of hard rocks and it’s safe staying at the top. Tune into your emergency broadcasters for information. 津波(tsunami) tidal wave/tsunami
Latest Tsunami Information by the Japan Meteorological Agency
https://www.jma.go.jp/ bosai/map.html#5/37. 979/135/&elem=warn &contents=tsunami&l ang=en
Typhoon/Flood
A typhoon is a large tropical cyclone also known as a hurricane. To prepare for a typhoon you should keep yourself informed on its progress and take precautions to minimize any problems that may arise:
Besides TV or the Internet, you can listen to Inter-FM at 76.1 or JOKN AM at 810 for information in English.
Secure or move outdoor items inside. Make sure the potted plants and laundry poles are not to be blown by the wind.
If the storm becomes severe, move to an area with the least exposure to external glass windows.
Make sure not to approach places which you think are dangerous such as beaches, rivers, steep slopes, underpasses.
Typhoons have "eyes," areas in their center where the weather appears calm. If the eye passes over your area, it may appear that the storm has finished, with winds then picking up again afterwards.
J-Alert System (Nationwide Warning System)
J-Alert is a nationwide alert system. If the government of Japan deems that there is an urgency to protect the lives, bodies, and property of the people, such as from a North Korean missile threat, it will issue warnings and promptly notify prefectural governors. If it is necessary to evacuate residents, the government will instruct prefectural governors to take evacuation measures. The prefectural governors will then announce warnings and issue evacuation instructions, and communicate information to residents through publicity vehicles of the municipal government.
on civil protection, such as radio networks and satellite communication.
Civil Protection Portal Site by Cabinet Secretariat
http://www.kokuminhog
o.go.jp/en/pc- index_e.html
Based on the Civil Protection Law, the national and local government will also occasionally implement drills for civil protection, such as those concerning evacuation and relief measures. Please access the link for more detailed information on J-ALERT.
In the situation of an armed attack etc., it is critical that information is communicated promptly and convincingly. For this reason, the government has secured multiple means to communicate information.
Protecting http://www.kokuminho
go.go.jp/en/pdf/protec
ting.pdf
Japanese Ministries
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Measures in operation for Entry/Re-entry/Return to Japan. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Take some time to better familiarize yourself with Japan. By knowing your soon-to-be home’s culture, history, geography, economy, government, etc., even slightly can improve your experience in Japan and your time spent in the country will be more rewarding. Talk to others who have been to Japan and seek opportunities to watch movies and read more about the country and its culture.
Learn basic Japanese language and two basic written scripts (hiragana and katakana). It will make your life in Japan much easier. Not many people can speak English well.
Please try following easy Japanese learning webpages of Japan Foundation
<marugoto></marugoto>
Hiragana : https://a1.marugotoweb.jp/ja/hiragana.php
Katkana : https://a1.marugotoweb.jp/ja/katakana.php
As members of society, we are all obligated to obey traffic rules to ensure the safe and smooth movement of the many vehicles and pedestrians using our streets.
(1) Walking on roads and sidewalk Generally,pedestrians shuoud walk on the right side of the street so that vehicles approach on their left. Pedestrians should keep to the right side of the road. Pedestrians should use the sidewalks or stay within the lines marked for walking on the road when they are available. (2)Rules for crossing the street Crossing the street safely Pedestrians should cross the street using the nearest traffic light intersection or pedestrian crossings,overpass or underpass. Pedestrians should never cross a street that is marked with signs that prohibit crossing. Pedestrians should clearly show a driver their intention to cross the street by raising their hand or looking to the driver and cross the street only after the safety is confirmed. Pedestrians should check that there are not any cars coming while crossing a street. Rules of traffic lights Green light : Pedestrians can proceed to cross the street. Yellow or flashing green light: Pedestrians may not begin to cross the street;if pedestrians has already commenced crossing, he or she should either attempt to finish crossing quickly or turn back. Red light: Pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the street. Crossing streets that have traffic light buttons: Pedestrians should push the button to change the light to green,after which they can proceed to cross the street.
Crossing streets that have no traffic lights Pedestrians should cross the street only after confirming there are no vehicles coming from either direction. Before crossing the streets, pedestrians should stop and look in both directions to check for oncoming vehicles. If vehicles are approaching pedestrians should wait until they pass. Pedestrians should continue looking both ways to check for oncoming vehicles when crossing the street, and walk straight ahead rather than diagonally. Rules for rail crossings Before walking over a rail crossing, pedestrians should stop and look both ways to make sure it is safe. Pedestrians should never attempt to enter a rail crossing when the warning bell is sounding or the crossing bar is on its way down. (3) Walking at night Pedestrians should wear brightly colored clothing or reflective materials at night When walking on the street at night, pedestrians shoud wear brightly colored clothing such as white or yellow as well as accessories with reflective materials or LED lights to ensure that drivers can easily see them.
(1) Five rules to follow to ensure safety when riding a bicycle Rule 1. In principle,cyclists should ride on the street and use sidewalks only in exceptional cases Bicycles are classified as vehicles, so as a general rule,cyclists should use the street. Cyclists should use designated bicycle paths when they are available. Cyclists should use the lanes markded for bicycles on sidewalks or roads when they are available. Children under 13, adults 70 and over, and people with physical disabilities are permittd to ride a bicycle on the sidewalk.
Rule 2. Cyclists should ride on the left side of the street
Cyclists must not obstruct pedestrians if riding inside the lines marking pedestrian paths.
Rule 3. Cyclists must reduce speed on sidewalks and give pedestrians the right of way When passing pedestrians on sidewalks, cyclists should reduce speed enough to enable a sudden stop.
Cyclists should stop riding if there is a risk of obstructing passing pedestrians on sidewalks.
Rule 4. Cyclists must obey safety rules
Cyclist are prohibited from riding under the influence of alcohol. Riding double is prohibited.
Riding side by side is prohibited.
Cyclists must use bicycle lights at night.
Cyclist must obey traffic lights at intersections and check for safety after coming to a
full stop.
Rule 5. Children must wear a bicycle helmet
Parents and guardians must ensure that children wear a bicycle helmet in the following cases;
・ When a child under the age of 6 is riding in the children’s seat of a bicycle.
・ When a child under the age 13 is riding a bicycle.
Other regulations
Cyclists must not use umbrellas or talk on mobile phones when riding.
In order to protect a head, not only children, but also people of all generations are recommended to wear a helmet.
Cyclists are recommended to purchase personal accident insurance to be able to compensate for any damage or injury from a bicycle accident. Please keep in mind that you are required to purchase insurance in certain areas such as Tokyo or Osaka.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.jitensha-kyogikai.jp/project/#insurance-promotion
(2) Using intersections When making a right-hand turn At intersections with traffic lights When the light turns green, the cyclist should cross the intersection in a straight direction and come to a stop on the opposite side with the bicycle facing right. When the light of the intersecting street turns green, the cyclist should proceed in a straight direction after looking both ways to check for safety. At intersections without traffic lights The cyclist should look behind to check for safety, cross the intersection in a straight direction, then slow down to make a right-hand turn,and check for oncoming cars before proceeding. When making a left-hand turn The cyclist should make sure not to obustruct pedestrians crossing the street. “Stop” sign Cyclists must come to a full stop at stop signs, and look both ways to check for oncoming cars before proceeding. Cyclists should come to a full stop at intersections where visibility is poor, narrow roads meet wide streets, or where sidewalks come to an end, and then look both ways to check for safety before proceeding. Designated lines for bicycles When an intersection has designated lines for bicycles,cyclists should ride within the lines.
You need a driver’s license to drive. You must present your driver’s license when asked by a police officer in the event of an accident or a violation of traffic rules. You must drive on the left. When driving near pedestrians and cyclists, drivers should slow down and make sure
to keep a safe distance between them and the vehicle.
NEVER drive after drink.
It is also prohibited to lend your car to someone who is under the influence of alcohol, to encourage someone who is going to drive to drink, and to ask somebody who has drunk alcohol to drive.
Drivers and other passengers must fasten their seat belts.
Young children under 6 must sit on a child seat.
You must not use a mobile phone while driving.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html
One of the following three valid driver’s licenses is required to drive a car (including motorcycles) and a motorized bicycle in Japan: Chapter 9 Traffic 1. 2. 3. * * Japanese driver’s license; International driving permit (issued by the countries who signed the 1949 Geneva Conventions and is in the official format); or Foreign driver’s license issued in the following countries with a Japanese translation certified by the embassy of your country, etc.: (Seven countries and areas: Estonia, Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco and Taiwan) A moped is a type of motorized bicycle, so you have to have one of the licenses mentioned in 1. to 3. above to ride one. Regarding 2. and 3., the permit is valid for a maximum of one year. ☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.npa.go.jp/english/bureau/traffic/index.html
There are several ways to get a Japanese driver’s license as follows: Getting a Japanese license by taking a driver’s license test i. You must pass the aptitude, skills and knowledge examination at a Driver’s License Center, etc.
ii. If you take a complete course of driving lessons at a designated driving school, you will be exempted from taking a skills examination. How to convert a foreign driver’s license to a Japanese one i. If a foreign driver’s license holder is approved as having sufficient knowledge of road rules and practical driving skills, he or she will be exempted from taking knowledge and skills examination. ii. After being licensed in a country, you must have resided for at least an additional three months there. iii. Your application must be submitted at a Driver’s License Center under the jurisdiction of the prefectural police in your area. iv. For more details on the documents required for the application, please ask at a Driver’s License Centers.
Renewal of the driver’s license A Japanese driver’s license has a validity period. When the renewal time approaches, a notice will be sent to your registered address as a postal card. Renew your license in time. If you do not renew your driver’s license, you are not allowed to drive. How to change your registered address If there is any change with regard to your name or address etc, notify a police station near you of that fact. Further details such as which documents you will need are available at a police station near you. 2-3 Penalty point system When a driver violates traffic rules or causes an accident, penalty points will be given. A driver’s license may be suspended or revoked based on the sum of the points accumulated over the last three years.
Motor vehicles cannot be used unless they are registered. When there is any change to the registered information, such as change of the owner or owner’s address, or when the vehicle is no longer used in Japan the registration must be accordingly updated. (1) When to register and types of registration Registration for a unregistered vehicle When you start to use a unregistered vehicle → Initial registration Registrations for an already-registered vehicle When the name or address of the owner change → Registration of alteration When the owner changes → Registration of transfer In case of disassembly or export of a vehicle → Registration of deletion (2) Where to register Registration can be done at 91 bureaus of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) or Automobile Inspection & Registration offices around Japan. If you have any questions about registration, please ask at an MLIT bureau or Automobile Inspection & Registration office near you. ☛ Information on MLIT bureaus in Japan: https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kensatoroku/ans_system/help02.htm
To own an automobile, you as the owner have to have a parking space. Therefore, when you purchase one or when you move and change your address, you have to register your car and have a certificate of parking space issued by the police station with jurisdiction over the location of parking space. In case of a light motor vehicle, you must notify the police station with jurisdiction over the location.
This certification is necessary in Tokyo metropolitan 23 wards, cities, towns and some villages. Certification for light motor vehicles is required in the Tokyo Metropolitan 23 wards and some cities. For more information, please contact the police station with jurisdiction over the parking location.
Automobile owners have to have their motor vehicles inspected periodically as required by law. There are two ways to have your car inspected: 1. Carrying to Service garage About 90% of automobile owners in Japan nowadays have an inspection performed at an authorized service garage. To request an inspection, ask at a service garage with blue sign (designated service garage), yellow sign or green sign (certified service garage) near you. 2. By yourself at an MLIT bureau About 10% of the automobile owners in Japan nowadays maintain their automobile by themselves and take it to an MLIT bureau for a safety inspection. Inspection can be carried out at 93 MLIT bureaus (89 for Kei-vehicles) located across the country. For further information on the inspection, please ask at an MLIT bureau near you. ☛ MLIT bureau locator https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/kensatoroku/ans_system/help02.htm ☛ Information on the Kei-Vehicles https://www.keikenkyo.or.jp/procedures/procedures_000134.html After your motor vehicle passes its periodical inspection, a certificate and a sticker on which the inspection expiration date is printed will be issued. Put the sticker on the windshield, and make sure to carry the certificate whenever you drive.
(1) Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (CALI) What is CALI?
CALI is an insurance mandated for all registered vehicles, including automobiles and motorbikes, to cover provide relief to the victims of traffic accidents.
If someone gets injured or dies in an accident, insurance benefit will be paid from CALI.
It is prohibited by law to drive an automobile or motorcycle without CALI.
If you cause an accident resulting in injuries or death without CALI, you will have to pay a very large amount of medical expenses and compensation by yourself.
☛ See the following URL for details: https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/anzen/04relief/index.html
Where to buy CALI
CALI is available at the following:
i. Insurance companies (mutual aid associations), branches and dealers
ii. Car and motorcycle dealers
iii. For mopeds and motorcycles, CALI can be purchased at Post Offices (some do not sell CALI), some insurance companies (mutual aid associations), online or at convenience stores.
* If you have any inquiries, ask at a location close to you that deals in CALI.
(2) Voluntary Insurance
CALI does not cover property damage such as a damaged vehicle. Voluntary Insurance is for covering what CALI does not.
Differences between CALI and voluntary insurance are as follows:
If you wishto continue to stay in Japan beyond your currently authorized period of stay, you need to apply for an extension of period of stay at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport
・ Residence Card (if you have been issued one already)
・ A photograph (4 cm long x 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for persons under the age of 16.)
・ An application form for extension of period of stay http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3-1.html
・ Documentation that specifies your planned activities in Japan etc. http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/shin_zairyu_ koshin10_01.htm
If you want to change your purpose of residence, you need to apply for change of status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport
・ Residence Card (If you have been issued one already)
・ A photograph (4 cm long x 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for persons under the age of 16)
・ An application form for change of status of residence http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2-1.html
・ Documentation that specifies your planned activities in Japan etc. http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_henko10.html
Those who wish to reside permanently in Japan need to apply for permanent residence. If permanent residence is granted, you can engage in any activity in Japan and stay in Japan as long as you like without any restrictions. Furthermore, you do not have to carry out procedures to extend your period of stay or change your status of residence.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport ・ Residence Card
・ A photograph (4 cm long x 3 cm wide, taken within three months, not required for those under 16 years old)
・ An application form for Permanent Residence
・ Other necessary documents
☛ See the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-4.html
If a child is born in Japan without Japanese nationality, and wishes to continue to stay in Japan beyond 60 days after he or she is born, it is necessary to apply for acquisition of his/her status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureauwithin 30 days from the date of birth.
※As a birth certificate (Shussei todoke kisai jikou shoumeisho, or “Certificate of Entry items in Birth Notification”) and other documents (see the following for details) are required, please register a birth at an office of municipality before applying for acquisition of a status of residence at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport (if one has been issued already)
・ An application form for permission to acquire status of residence
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-10.html
・ Certificate of entry items in birth notification (It is available at office of municipality) or other documents that proof birth
・ Documentation that specifies the child’s planned activity in Japan http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/zairyu_henko10.html
・ A copy of your Certificate of Residence or Certificate of entry items in Resident Register(You can get it at office of municipality)
If you wish to work with a status of residence that does not permit you to work (status of residence of “Student”, “Dependent” and so on), or to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted, you need to apply for permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Necessary Documents
・ Passport
・ Residence Card
・ An Application form for permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted by the status of residence previously granted
・ Documents to certify the activity by which you intend to earn income or receive remuneration
☛ See the following URL for details:
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-8.html
If you have one of the statuses of residence below, and if something changes regarding the organization you are affiliated with, you need to notify the Regional Immigration Services Bureau of that change.
(1) Notification of the accepting organization
Status of Residence requiring notifications
Professor, Highly-Skilled Professional (i)(c), Highly-Skilled Professional(ii) (limited to cases of engaging in the activities listed in (ii) (c)), Business Manager, Legal/ Accounting Services, Medical Services, Instructor, Intra-company Transferee, Technical Intern Training, Student or Trainee
Items to be notified
・Change of the name of the accepting organization
・Change of the location of the accepting organization
・Extinguishment of the accepting organization
・Left from the accepting organization
・Transfer from the accepting organization
Notification period
You are required to notify within 14 days.
☛See the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00014.html
(2) Notification of the organization of affiliation
Status of residence requiring notifications
Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a), Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b), Highly Skilled Professional (ii) (limited to cases of engaging in the activities listed in (ii)(a) or (b)), Researcher, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Nursing Care, Entertainer (limited to cases of engaging in activities based on a contract with a public or private organization in Japan), Skilled Labour, Specified Skilled Worker
Items to be notified
・Change of the name of the organization of affiliation
・Change of the location of the organization of affiliation
・Extinguishment of the organization of affiliation
・Termination of the contract with the organization of affiliation
・Conclusion of a contract with a new organization of affiliation
Notification Period
You are required to notify within 14 days.
☛ See the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/nyuukokukanri10_00015.html
Electronic notification by internet is possible for these notifications.
☛ See the following URL for details:
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/publications/materials/i-ens_index.html
● Key Point: Points-based preferential immigration control and residency management treatment for highly-skilled foreign professionals
There are delivery service counters (Takuhaibin/宅配便) on the arrival floor at each international airport.
If you have a lot of luggage or large suitcases, you can use the delivery service.
Delivery is usually made the next day. The price depends on the type, size and weight of the package and the destination.
e.g. For a suitcase of 80cmX40cmX30cm would be 2000~3000 JPY from Narita airport to your accommodation in Fujisawa.
If a foreign national in Japan wishes to temporarily leave and return to Japan within authorized period, he/she can re-enter Japan with his/her currently authorized status of residence and period of stay unchanged by using a re-entry permit.
(1) Special re-entry permit (returning to Japan within 1 year)
If the foreign nationals return to Japan within 1 year (or until the date of expiration of period of stay when the date of expiration comes earlier than 1 year from the date of departure), re-entry permission procedure at Regional Immigration Services Bureau will be exempted as long as they have Residence Card and valid Passport.
(2) Re-entry permit (returning to Japan in 1 year or later)
If the foreign nationals apply for re-entry permit at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau nearby, they can re-enter into Japan with their currently admitted status of residence and period of stay (up to a maximum of 5 years. Or up to the date of expiration when the date of expiration comes earlier than 5 years).
☛ See the following URL for details:
http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-5.html
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Measures in operation for Entry/Re-entry/Return to Japan.
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
quarantine
border control measures
the place to stay
the means of transportation and some other information.
Ministry of Justice
Notice on Covid-19 vaccination
Information about medical services
Immigration Services Agency
Applications for residency during Covid-19
Daily life support for foreign residents in regards to Covid-19 Entry from overseas
Immigration Services Agency online applications
And some other information.
Cabinet Office
Evacuation points under Covid-19 crisis.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs https://www.mofa.go.jp/ ca/fna/page22e_000921. html
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare https://www.mhlw.go.jp/ content/000802098.pdf
As of July 6
Ministry of Justice
http://www.moj.go.jp/E N/index.html
Immigration Services Agency
https://www.isa.go.jp/en
/covid-19_index.html
Cabinet Office
http://www.bousai.go.jp/
kokusai/evacuation_poin
ts/index_en.html
The COVID-19 vaccine will be administered sequentially to healthcare workers, the elderly, and those with underlying medical conditions. Please be patient and wait until your turn comes.
Although it is possible that there will be a short waiting period, all those who wish to receive the vaccine will be able to receive it in due course.
The vaccine should be administered in the city, town, or village where your residency is registered (place of residence), except if you are hospitalized or admitted to a facility.
The vaccination is free of charge.
Vaccination Process
1 Your municipal office will send you a notice, a coupon, and a list of medical institutions in your town.
The enclosed coupons are for two inoculation certificates or vaccination certificates. Bring this form with you each time, and please do not cut them off.
2 Make an appointment directly with a medical institution from the list enclosed.
3 Bring a coupon and an ID to the clinic on the appointed date/time.
Please measure your body temperature at home before the vaccine and refrain from getting the vaccine and contact the municipal office or medical institution where you made the appointment if you have an obvious fever or do not feel well.
4 In order to get the full effect of the vaccine, it is necessary to receive two doses of the same type of vaccine at a set interval. When you receive the first dose, please check when you should receive the next vaccination.
ワクチン(wakutchin) vaccination
Note
Fujisawa-city will complete sending out coupons within July 2021. For the students who will move in the city after July, please remind the city hall/center staff you need coupons for vaccination at your residence registration.
As Japan is a member of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees, we recognize refugee status and take various protective measures for refugees defined by the Convention, etc.
The term “Refugee” refers to those to whom Article 1 of the Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees applies. A refugee is defined as follows:
・ A person who, owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality and is unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country.
・ Application for recognition of refugee status is a system for those who have fled their home countries (See: 4-1) and seek protection from Japan. A foreign national residing in Japan can apply for this status. A foreign national, when he / she is recognized as a refugee, is issued a Certificate of Refugee Status, and is granted a residence status of “Long Term Resident” etc.
・ A foreign national who has been recognized as a refugee, based on his/her application, will receive a refugee travel document in place of a passport.
・ A foreign national recognized as a refugee and his/ her family can benefit from the Settlement Support System, which includes Japanese language education,guidance for living in Japan and job placement.
A foreign national who has an objection to a disposition denying recognition of refugee status can request an administrative review to the Minister of Justice. When the Minister of Justice makes a determination on the request, the Minister must hear the opinions of the Refugee Examination Counselors who have an academic background of laws or international affairs.
☛ See the following URL for details: http://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/guide/nanmin_tetuduki.html
*Under the current border control policy to stop spreading the Covid-19 virus, all travelers from abroad are requested not to use public transportation for the entirety of their two-week quarantine period, including immediately after arrival.
We recommend you to book a hotel near your arrival airport for your two-week quarantine period, then move to the final destination using the public transportations suggested below.
・Remaining in Japan after the period of stay(Please note that even a stay for just one day beyond your authorized period constitutes overstaying and subjects you to deportation.)
・Engaging activity that is not permitted under your status of residence, and receiving remuneration without permission to engage in an activity other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted
・Receiving a certain criminal punishment
If you are deported after an inspection by a Regional Immigration Services Bureau, basically you will not be allowed to enter Japan for five or 10 years. If you are deported due to receiving a certain criminal punishment or some other particular grounds, you will not be allowed to enter Japan anymore.
If all of the following requirements are met, an overstayer will be allowed to leave Japan through simple procedures without being detained. When you leave Japan due to the departure order system, you basically will not be allowed to enter Japan for one year.
Requirements for the Departure Order System
Those subject to the departure order system need to fulfill the following requirements.
・ He/she must voluntarily appear at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau with intention to leave Japan.
・ He/she is not subject to deportation for any cause other than overstaying his or her authorized period of stay.
・ He/she has not been punished by imprisonment with or without work for certain crimes such as theft.
・ He/she has never been deported in the past.
・ He/she has never left Japan due to a departure order in the past.
・ It seems certain that he/she will leave Japan immediately.
Even when deportation procedures are taken, special permission to stay in Japan may be granted by the Minister of Justice in consideration of the situation for which the foreign national has settled down in Japan, his/her family situation, etc.
Regional offices of Immigration and Residence Control
https://www.shunno.shop/visainformation
https://www.shunno.shop/livinginformation-all
https://www.shunno.shop/livinginformation-students