INVITATION
Daily Life in Japan
City Ward Office
(1) Notification of Residence Address
Foreign nationals who are allowed to stay in Japan more than 3 months must notify their residential address at local ward office of their residence within 14 days and deciding the address after arriving in Japan.
If your residence card is not issued at the airport on your arrival in Japan, Immigration Bureau will send your card by post to your address which you register at local ward office. No fee (or postage) is required. Until you receive a residence card, you must always carry your passport or a copy of it with you as your identification document. If you do not receive your Residence Card after 1 week from the notification of residential address, please call Tokyo Immigration Bureau’s Residency Management and Information Section (Zairyu Kanri Joho Bumon, Tel: 03-3599-1068).
- Required documents
- Residence card (* or passport if your residence card has not yet been issued)
If you wish to open a bank account or buy a mobile phone before receiving your Residence Card, you need a certificate of residence record (jumin-hyo), which is issued by local ward office of your residence. The certificate can usually be issued within 2 days after you notify your address; in some cases, it can be issued on the same day, or on the following day.
- Required documents
- Passport, certificate issuance fee (300 yen)
<Change of place of residence within Japan>
You are required to notify your new residential address to local ward office of your new residence within 14 days of moving into the new address. In addition to the documents indicated above, you are also required to submit the moving-out certificate (tenshutsu shomeisho) issued by local ward office of your former residence (this certificate is not required in the case of relocation within the Fukuoka city.) and a notification card of my number. You can request your moving-out certificate by post, so if you need it please contact a local ward office of your former residence.
(2) National Health Insurance
All foreign nationals with a residence permit for a period exceeding 3 months who are students or who are not covered by an employer’s social security plan (mutual aid, health insurance) are required to join National Health Insurance. By paying monthly premiums, subscribers are required to cover only 30% of their medical expenses.
National Health Insurance is especially beneficial in cases of serious disease or hospitalization thanks to its reimbursement system: if the total sum of medical bills that a single medical institution charges to a subscriber within 1 month exceeds a certain amount, the excess sum is reimbursed to the subscriber.
You can join National Health Insurance by applying at National Health Insurance Division of local ward office of your residence. Your National Health Insurance Card will be sent to you by post within a few days after the registration is completed. Monthly premiums are calculated based on your annual income in the previous year. Monthly premium payment can be made via automatic withdrawal from a bank account. For more detail, please contact the ward office in your residence area.
- Required documents
- Residence Card (* or passport if your Residence Card has not yet been issued)
(3) National Pension System
All residents in Japan between the ages 20 and 59 are required to join National Pension. Kyushu University’s faculty members and administrative staff who join the University’s mutual aid or employee pension plan automatically become National Pension subscribers.
The followings are paid from the National Pension Plan
- Disability Basic Pension, which is paid to you if you become sick or get injured when you are covered by the National Pension System and if sickness or injury eventually causes such disability as specified as the Grade 1 or Grade 2 disability.
- Survivor’s Basic Pension, which is paid to your dependent spouse taking care of child (ren) or to your dependent child (ren) if you die.
- Old-age Basic Pension, which is paid to you when you become 65 years old if you have paid the National Pension contributions at least 10 years and satisfy the conditions.
Students aged 20 and above who have difficulty in paying premiums due to low income may apply for the “Student Special Payment System”. Please contact National Pension section of the municipal office of your residence for more details.
* Reference
<Lump-sum Withdrawal Payments>
Non-Japanese subscribers to Japan's National Pension Plan are entitled to a lump-sum withdrawal payments upon your permanent departure from Japan by sending a completed application form to the Japan Pension Service by post within 2 years after you leave Japan. Consult the Japan Pension Service's website for more details.
<International Social Security Agreement>
Foreign nationals coming from countries with which Japan has signed the International Social Security Agreement are exempt from subscription to either Japan's or your home country's pension plan under certain conditions. In some cases, the period of subscription of a foreign national to Japan's National Pension Plan can be added to the period of subscription to your home country's pension plan.
To benefit from the exemption under this Agreement, you must apply by submitting a "Certificate of Coverage" in your home country to the section in charge of your School, Graduate School, or Faculty. For more details, please check the Japan Pension Service's website.
(4) My Number System
Under this system, a unique 12-digit number will be issued to every person possessing a Japanese resident record, including international students and researchers. You will use this number for administrative procedures such as Social Security and Taxation. The municipality of your residence will send you a notification card telling your "My number". After you received it, please note the following:
- Please store it in a safe place.
- You need to submit the number if asked by a place of a part-time job for the procedures above. Please note that they will never ask you about the number by telephone.
Since "My number" is closely connected with personal information, do not tell it to others unless it is necessary.
Otherwise, it may lead to troubles, including leakage of your personal information. For more details, please refer to Digital Agency (Japanese version only)
(5) Income Tax Reduction or Exemption
Those who do not have a permanent home in Japan or do not stay in Japan continuously for 1 year and more, are required to pay 20% income tax on their income generated in Japan. However, if your home country and Japan have signed the Agreement on Prevention of Double Taxation and Tax Evasion, you can benefit from tax reduction or exemption by completing formalities after your arrival in Japan.
For this procedure, residents from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, the Netherlands, Switzerland, New Zealand and Sweden are required to submit additional documents and a "Residence Certificate" of their country to tax offices.
Immigration Bureau
Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau
Fukuoka Legal Affairs Government Complex No.1 3-5-25 Maizuru, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka. 810-0073
Hours: 9:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00 (closed on Sat, Sun, and national holidays)
TEL 092-717-7595 (Status Department: in charge of Entry and Residence procedures)
Foreign Residents Information Center
TEL 0570-013904 (IP, PHS, Overseas: 03-5796-7112)
Hours: 8:30 to 17:15 (weekdays only)
Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau and Foreign Residents Information Center
7 minutes walk (about 500m) from the exit ① at "Akasaka station" of Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line (take exit ⑥ if you use an elevator).
There is no ID photo machine in the building.
(1) Residence Card
A residence card is issued to each foreign national who is allowed to stay in Japan for more than 3 months. If you enter Japan via (or through) Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Shinchitose, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka International Airports, the residence card will be issued just after the landing permission procedure. If you enter Japan via (or through) other ports of entry, including Port of Hakata, the seal of landing permission is stamped on your passport, with the statement "Residence card will be issued at a later date.
* The residence card will be sent by the Immigration Bureau to the address which you notify to local ward office in about 1 week after the registration is completed.
a. Change of name, nationality, etc.
Any changes on your residence card, such as change of name or nationality caused by marriage, must be notified to Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau within 14 days from the day that such a change is occurred.
- Required documents
- Notification of a change of an item on the residence card, ID photo (4cm × 3cm), passport, Residence Card
b. Re-issuance of Residence Card
Loss or theft of your residence card must be reported to Fukuoka Regional Immigration Bureau within 14 days from the day you become aware of the disappearance of your residence card (or the day of your re-entry into Japan if you notice the fact while being out of Japan). An extremely soiled or damaged residence card should be replaced at the earliest time possible by completing the prescribed formalities.
Re-issuance of your residence card for personal reasons (for example, if you do not like the card number or ID photo) requires a handling fee 1,300 yen.
- Required documents
-
Application for re-issuance of a residence card, ID photo (4cm × 3cm), passport, residence card
* In the case of loss or theft of the residence card, a document attesting to that fact (for example, a loss notification certificate, a theft report certificate, etc.) are required.
c. Notification of the accepting organization
If your enrollment at Kyushu University is terminated during your stay in Japan due to graduation, program completion, withdrawal or termination of employment, you are required to notify the Immigration Bureau within 14 days from the day on those conditions, either in person at the Immigration Bureau, by sending prescribed documents by post, or online application. For more details, please check the website.
* Online Notification System of Immigration Bureau. (Japanese version only)
(2) Re-entry permission
<Re-entry Permit>
By obtaining re-entry permission, foreign nationals residing in Japan may re-enter without a new visa when they temporarily leave Japan.
- Required documents
-
- Application form for re-entry permit
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Handling fee (single-use: 3,000 yen; multi-use: 6,000 yen)
<Special re-entry permit>
Foreign nationals with a valid passport and residence card (*1) who will be re-entering Japan within 1 year of your departure to continue your activities in Japan (*2) will, in principle, not be required to apply for a re-entry permit. Also, the fee for a special re-entry permit is free.
Foreign nationals who have departed from Japan on a special re-entry permit will not be able to extend that permit while abroad. Please note that such foreign nationals will lose their resident status if they fail to re-enter Japan within 1 year of their departure (*2).
When you leave Japan more than 1 year, you are required to acquire re-entry permission at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau before you leave. Please check the above application fee.
(*1) The special re-entry permit system also applies to those in possession of a passport stating "Residence card will be issued at a later date", or an alien registration card deemed to be equivalent to the residence card.
(*2) If your period of stay expires within 1 year after your departure, please ensure that you re-enter Japan before the expiration of your period of stay.
(3) Extension of the Period of Stay
If you wish to stay beyond the period of residence determined at the time of landing or residential status change, you are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau with the necessary documents. The application can be accepted 3 months the prior to the date of expiration.
In case you apply for an extension of the period of stay after your enrollment in Kyushu University from Japanese language school in Japan, you are required to hand in extra documents. Please visit International Student Exchange Division to get more information. It is also recommended that you check with the Immigration Bureau to determine what documentation is required, as these may vary from an applicant to an applicant.
- Immigration Information Center
- TEL 03-5796-7112 (from smartphone. English also accepted)
* You may be required additional documents from them if you repeated a year / took a leave of absence from university.
You are required to submit a copy of the new residence card to Student Affairs Section of your affiliated department and International Student Exchange Division when you receive the new residence card from the Immigration Bureau. In addition, faculty members must bring it to the HR section of your department.
- Required documents
-
- Application for extension of period of stay
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Handling fee: 4,000 yen
- Certificate of enrollment or employment
- Official transcript issued by Kyushu University (students only)
* If the university does not issue it, it is necessary to submit documents to certify your academic achievement or details of your research activities written by your academic advisor. - Documents proving your financial ability during your stay in Japan (bank statement, certificate of scholarship, etc.)
* Additional required documents if your residence status is "Professor": - Full-time employee: None
- Part-time employee: Certificates of taxation and tax payments
(4) Change of Residence Status
International students who have been admitted to Kyushu University are required to obtain a "Student" status of residence. Unless you have "Student" status of residence, Kyushu University will not recognize you as an international student and can not give you any services for international students (e.g.Scholarship or Housing Guarantee System).
If you do not have the "Student" status stamped in your passport, you should consult Student Affairs Section of your affiliated department, get complete set of necessary documents, and apply for a change of the status at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau.
You will receive a new residence card after approval of the changing status of residence. Please submit a copy of your passport and new residence card to Student Affairs Sections of your affiliated department.
- Required documents
-
- Status change application form
- Passport
- Residence Card
- Handling fee 4,000 yen
- Changing to the "Student" status: a copy of approval for enrollment of the University
* Research student: the document must include a description of the intended research. - Changing to the "Professor" status: a copy of the letter of appointment by the University
<Change of Residence Status for Researchers>
The "Points-Based System for Highly-Skilled Professionals" is a points-based system that provides highly-skilled foreign professionals with preferential immigration control and residency management treatment.
If you wish to change your status of residence under this system," please contact the section in charge of your department (the Human Resources Section for faculty members), prepare the necessary documents, and go through the change of status procedure at the Immigration Bureau. When the change of status of residence is approved, a new residence card will be issued. After completing the processes at the Immigration Bureau, please bring your passport and new residence card to the section in charge of your department.
<Change of Residence Status relating to employment>
a. You have received a job offer in Japan
International students who intend to work in Japan are required to change your status from "Student" to another, such as "Specialist in humanities / international services" or "Engineer," whose holders are permitted to work in Japan. The Immigration Bureau usually begins accepting applications for this type of status change around January each year. Please note that examination of the applications takes 1 to 3 months. You are advised to start your preparations for this procedure well ahead in time of your new working life.
b. You wish to remain in Japan after graduation to find a job
International students who are scheduled to graduate or complete a degree course at Kyushu University or students who are leaving a PhD degree course with credits, and who have not found a job while at the University and will continue job hunting after graduation or completion of the course, are required to change your status of residence to "Designated Activities (for continuous job hunting)". If you change your status of residence, you will be allowed to stay in Japan for 6 months after graduation or completion of your studies.
Non-degree students such as research students cannot use this system to change your status of residence to "Designated Activities".
If you are not able to finish your job-hunting activities in the original 6 months period and wish to extend your period of stay, you must resubmit your application. In order for University to issue a Letter of Recommendation, it is necessary to record a history of your activities. You should consult Student Affairs Section of your affiliated department if you wish to change your residence status to "Designated Activities".
(5) Work Permit for Part-Time Jobs
With a residence status of "Student", "Cultural Activities" or "Dependent," foreign nationals are not allowed to work.
If you wish to work part-time to earn money for your university fees and/or living expenses, you must obtain permission from the Immigration Bureau.
You obtain work permit however, there is limitation on number of hours you are permitted to work. If permission is given, foreign nationals who have the "Student" or "Dependent" status will be given comprehensive permission that allows you to work up to 28 hours per week. Students with "Student" status are permitted to work up to 8 hours per day during long-term holidays. Foreign nationals who have "Cultural activity" status have to apply for the permission for each job. So you must apply for work permit after finding a job.
You must never work part-time without work permit and beyond the above working limit. If you do not follow the rules, you can be punished by repatriation, a fine, or imprisonment.
International students who are permitted the residence status of "Student" with the permitted period of more than 3 months are entitled to apply for work permit at the port of entry when entering Japan for the first time.
Students who obtain work permit must report the fact to Student Affairs Section of your affiliated department.
- Required documents
-
- Application for permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
- Passport
- Residence card
<Part-time work permitted for international students>
- Not more than 28 hours a week
* Not more than 8 hours a day during the long-term holidays (Spring, Summer, Winter) as set by the University. - If you are in temporal withdrawal from University, you are not allowed to engage in part-time jobs even if you have work permit.
* It is prohibited for students to work in the entertainment business. Students are not allowed to work even as a dishwasher or cleaner in pubs, nightclubs, bars and cafeterias where guests are entertained by attendants.
<Activities that do not require permission>
In case you are going to engage in the following activities in Kyushu University, a work permit is not required.
- TA (Teaching Assistant) or RA (Research Assistant) in Kyushu University
- Part-time job to assist office work, research/experiment of Kyushu University
- Tutor or Support Team for new international students in Kyushu University
- Guest teaching at elementary and junior high-school etc. through Kyushu University
(6) Having Your Family Stay in Japan
If you wish to invite your family (your spouse and/or children) to live with you in Japan, you are advised to do so once you have settled down in Japan and have found a place to stay with your family. In case that you intend to bring your spouse and/or children, please be sure to obtain your supervisor's approval in advance. If you are a researcher, please consult with your laboratory in advance. If your family intends to stay in Japan for a period not exceeding 90 days, your family must obtain a "short-term stay" visa from the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
If your family intends to stay in Japan for a period longer than 90 days, different formalities are required: as your family's "supporter", you must apply for a certificate of eligibility (COE) for the "Dependent" status at Fukuoka Immigration Bureau, and send this certificate to your family by post; in their home country, your family applies for the "Dependent" visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate by submitting the CoE and other required documents. Please note that the CoE is valid for 3 months after its issuance.
Once your family arrives in Japan with the "dependent" status, certain formalities must be completed at the municipal office of your residence. For this procedure, remember to prepare the original marriage certificate, birth certificate and other required documents, along with their Japanese translations.
- Required documents
-
- Application for certificate of eligibility
- ID photo(s) of your family member(s) coming to Japan (4cm × 3 cm)
- Official documents attesting to your family relations (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Supporter's (your) certificate of enrollment or employment
- Supporter's (your) passport and Residence Card
- Documents proving your financial ability during you and your family's stay in Japan (bank statement, certificate of scholarship, etc.)
* Additional documents may be required in some cases.
* Documents written in foreign languages other than Japanese or English must be accompanied by Japanese or English translations
(7) Registration of Birth (Acquisition of residence status)
The birth of a child in Japan must be registered at the municipal office of the child's parental residence within 14 days from the birth. This procedure requires the presentation of a birth certificate (issued by a physician) and "mother and child health handbook."
If the new-born child does not possess Japanese nationality and remains in Japan beyond the 60 days from the birth, a residence status must be obtained for the child at the Fukuoka Immigration Bureau within 30 days from the birth.
- Required documents
-
- Application for permission to acquire status of residence
- Parents' passports and Residence Cards
- Birth certificate or certificate of birth registration
Hospital & Insurance
1. Hospitals
(1) Ito Clinic
There is a clinic that is readily available to students, faculty and staff who come to Ito Campus and to local residents as well. When you are feeling unwell or need physical or mental health consultation, you can visit the clinic without physician's referral letter or an appointment.
For more information on the clinic subjects and hours, please refer to the Kyushu University Ito Clinic website.
(2) Medical Facilities with a Foreign Language-Speaking Staff
The Fukuoka Yokatopia International Exchange Foundation provides the information of multilingual medical consultation services on its website.
(3) Emergency Hospital
If you are suddenly ill or injured on Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, or at night when hospitals are closed, you can receive medical care at an emergency hospital. Please refer to the following website for a list of emergency hospitals in Fukuoka Prefecture.
Please note that this is a list of emergency hospitals and not hospitals that provide services in foreign languages.
2. Insurance
(1) Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAS)
The coverage covers accidents during participation in university lectures, experiments, practical training, and extracurricular activities, as well as during commuting to and from the university and between university facilities.
For the details, please refer to the website of the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).
(2) Liability Insurance coupled with PAS
The coverage covers accidents during university lectures, experiments and practical training, internships and educational training, participation in extracurricular activities, medical-related training (medical CALI.School(Grad School) of Medical and Dentistry only), as well as accidents on the way to and from these activities are covered by this insurance. To be eligible for this insurance, you must be a member of Gakkensai.
For details, please refer to the website of the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES).
(3) Student Mutual aid "KYOSAI"
This is a mutual aid system to protect students against injury or illness. It covers not only lectures, experiments, practical training, and extracurricular activities, but also illness and injury 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, both on and off campus, in Japan and overseas.
To join "KYOSAI", you need to join the Co-op member first. Please contact the Kyushu University Co-op for details.
(4) Student Liability Insurance
This is an insurance policy for students to protect them against various types of damages during their student life. It covers students against accidents (both in Japan and overseas) in their daily lives, regular lectures, part-time jobs, internships, etc.
For those who live alone, a special rider can be added to the policy that includes tenant liability coverage and household goods coverage.
To enroll in the student liability insurance, you must join the Co-op member first. Please contact the Kyushu University Co-op for details.
(5) Emergency Secure Plan (ESP)
Emergency Secure Plan, which international students enrolled at Kyushu University are required to join, will assist with various medical service.
Please note, however, that ESP is not health insurance and does not substitute for or replace the National Health Insurance, which international students enrolled with a residence card are required to join.
If international students need medical attention for an illness or accident etc., ESP can provide
- Referral to an appropriate, nearby medical facility
- Three-way telephone interpretation service etc.,
When the international students reach the emergency, ESP will arrange contact with their families, and transportation from their home country to medical institutions in coverage.
To join ESP, international students are required to pay a membership fee of 1,000yen/year.
* Bank transfer free will be charged additional prepayment.
For more details, please inquiry to International Student Exchange Division.
E-mail imm.s@jimu.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Bank
Having a bank account enables you to deposit money, send money to designated recipients, pay utility bills by automatic transfer, obtain a credit card, and perform other operations. Scholarship recipients and faculty members are required to open a bank account since scholarship or salary payment is made by bank transfer. Please note that some scholarships must open your account (for example, Japanese Government scholarship recipients are required to open your account at Yucho Bank (JP Bank). Please note that some banks may require you to be accompanied by a Japanese supporter or may not be able to accommodate foreigners.
To buy a new mobile phone in Japan, you are required to have a bank account for the procedures. To open a bank account, you must present your passport and Residence Card or a copy of your jumin-hyo (certificate of residence record). Some banking institutions may also require your personal seal registration and certificate of items stated in resident register at the time of opening an account. Please note that some banking institutions impose restrictions on the timing of money remittance after the opening of an account.
* Seal registration and money remittance conditions (Example)
| Yucho Bank (JP Bank) |
|
|---|---|
| Fukuoka Bank |
|
| Nishi Nippon City Bank |
|
Electricity, Gas and Water
The following website provides an overview of procedures (application for use, cancellation, and payment) related to public utilities.
(1) Electricity
(2) Gas
Telephone and Internet
(1) Mobile phone
There are several mobile phone companies in Japan. To buy a mobile phone and begin a new mobile phone service subscription, you must have a bank account in Japan. In general, you are required to present your bankbook, registered seal, Residence card or a copy of your jumin-hyo (certificate of residence record), passport, and a statement of parental approval (for those below age 18.)
There is a wide range of mobile phone models and service packages with different tariffs. Subscription details can even differ from one shop to another. Please make sure to fully understand the contract details before signing up, since misunderstanding can lead to unexpectedly high telephone bills. For more details, please check the websites of the respective service providers.
In recent years, the use of a mobile phone terminal brought from abroad by installing SIM cards purchased at electronics retail shops in Japan also becoming common.
(2) Internet
Internet access conditions and providers differ from one accommodation to another. If you are renting a private apartment, please confirm the details with your real estate agent. Wi-Fi LAN (kitenet) is available on campus. In central Fukuoka city, there are several internet hotspots.
<Kyushu University Wi-Fi LAN (kitenet)>
<Internet Hotspots (public Internet access over Wi-Fi LAN) examples>
Subway station concourses, Fukuoka Airport, International Terminal, Part of Hakata, Tenjin Underground Shopping Arcade (Fukuoka City Wi-Fi)
Post and Home Delivery
(1) Postal service
(2) Home delivery
- Domestic
Transportation
(1) Public Transportation (Train / Bus)
- ② Subway
- ③ Train
1) IC Cards as bus/train tickets
Fukuoka bus, subway and train systems adopt rechargeable IC cards as a method of fare payment. These cards also function as commuter passes and a debit cards in many shops. You can use any one of the cards listed below in the service areas of all the other cards.
| IC Card name (issued by) | Accepting mass-transit systems | Website |
|---|---|---|
| nimoca (Nishitetsu) | Nishitetsu Railway, Nishitetsu Bus, Showa Bus, JR Kyushu trains, Fukuoka City Subway | More Information |
| SUGOCA (JR Kyushu) |
More Information (Japanese version only) |
|
| Hayakaken (Fukuoka City Subway) |
More Information |
2) Discount (example)
① One-day subway ticket
This card allows 1-day unlimited rides on all subway lines (Kuko, Hakozaki, Nanakuma Lines).
The price is 640JPY.
② Ito Campus coupon tickets
Ito campus coupon tickets are usable between any subway station and Kyudai Gakkentoshi station on the JR Chikuhi Line and between Kyudai Gakkentoshi and each area in Ito Campus on Showa Bus, offering a saving of about 300JPY per ride as compared to a regular single ticket.
Price: 1 strip of 10 tickets for 5,480JPY (adult) *548JPY per tickets
* Valid until the last day of the 3 months from the month of purchase
Sold at:
- 【Fukuoka city subway】 Hakata / Tenjin / Nishijin / Meinohama / Kaizuka / Befu station
- 【JR Kyushu】Kyudai Gakkentoshi station
- 【Showa Bus】Kyudai Gakkentoshi station bus information center (SKIP)
- 【Kyushu university Co-op】Ito Campus
③ Ecole Card
This card allows unlimited bus rides on any day (weekday, weekend, and holiday) during a given period indicated below.
1-month card: 7,200JPY 3-month card: 20,400JPY
Please note that Ecole Card users are still required to pay fares if they get on or off at Kyudai Kogakubu-mae, Kyudai Big Orange-mae, Sangaku Renkei Koryu Center, and other specified bus stops. For this reason, Wide Ecole Card is recommended to students commuting to Ito campus.
1-month card: 10,200JPY 3-month card: 29,500JPY
For the details, please refer to the Ecole card's HP (Japanese version only):
Educational Supports for Children and others
(1) About the School Education of Japan
<Guidebook for starting School>
Available in English, Korean, Vietnamese, Pilipino, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, and Ukrainian.
<Brief explanation on Japanese Education System>
These websites explain enrollment procedures for nursery, kindergarten, elementary and Junior high school, etc.
(2) Procedures for Starting School at Fukuoka City elementary Schools (Fukuoka city)
(3) Procedures for Changing Schools within Japan to Fukuoka City Elementary / Middle Schools
1. Procedures at City ward office
- Foreign parents who have moved into Fukuoka city must take a procedure on their residence registration at the Resident registration counter of the municipal office.
- At that time, those with a school-aged child (ren) inform them of the request to have child (ren) attend a Japanese school at the counter.
- If you wish for school education, please complete the necessary forms and ask for an issuance of "Notice of School Transfer (Tennyuugaku tsuuchisho)."
2. Procedures at the school
- Foreign parents and child (ren) visit the designated school and submit the "Notice of School Transfer." Please make an appointment with the school by phone in advance.
- A first interview will be held with the school staff. They will briefly explain the procedures of transferring, preparation of school items, and open a bank account. There will be forms to be filled in, so please accompany someone who can speak/read Japanese.
(4) Procedures for Cases Where Japanese Language Support is required for children
(5) Health Related Services of Health and Welfare Center (Hokenjyo)
Following service on the mother and child handbook is available.
- ◇Issuance of the Mother and Child Handbook (Japanese)
- For those registered as foreign citizens in Fukuoka city, the handbook in foreign language can be issued for free if requested.
Emergency Situation
(1) Nationwide Emergency Call Numbers
Throughout your stay in Japan, you should keep in mind the following two phone numbers that you need to call in the event an emergency situation arises. Call the number appropriate to what you need to report or ask for, wherever in Japan, these emergency calls can be made 24 hours and 7 days a week for free of charge from any phone, including mobile phones, home phones, and public pay phones.
| Phone Number | Contact | What to report / ask for |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Police | Crime or accident |
| 119 | Fire / Ambulance | Fire, ambulance, emergency medical services |