Guide for foreign residents in Hofu

The following guide pages provide some information for foreign people living in Hofu.

1．What's new?

	International Exchange Programs
		■Salon for foreign residents

2．Resident Registration

(1)

Immigration Procedures (at the Immigration Bureau)

　

※

When you enter Japan, your status of residence and period of stay is determined. If you intend to change your status or period to stay in Japan, you must apply
for and receive permission to do so.

Types of Immigration Procedures
・When extending your period of stay
・When changing status of residence (If you cease your present activity,
　　and begin a new one)
・When getting activity permission outside status of residence
　　(If you begin an income-producing activity except current status)
・When getting re-entry permit (When you temporarily leave Japan with the
　　intention of returning again)
・When baby acquires status of residence (If a baby born in Japan and stay
　　for more than 60 days, apply within 30 days after his/her birth)

Shunan Branch Office of Hiroshima Regional Immigration Bureau
　　　　　　　〒745-0045 6-35 Minato-machi Tokuyama Shunan-City
　　　　　　　Tel. 0834-21-1329

The inquiries for the status of residence may be accepted to the Immigration Information Center in Hiroshima. Information in foreign language assistance
is available. (Tel. 082-502-6060)

(2)	Alien Registration ( at the Local Municipal Office)
	①	Initial Registration ・Those who are staying in Japan over 90 days must apply for your 　　　registration at the citizens' section of Hofu Municipal Office within　90 days 　　　after arriving in Japan. ・Apply at the City Hall Building #4, First floor Window #5 　　(Tel. 0835-25-2109 ) ・Necessary documents：Passport, Two copies of photo 　　（4.5ｃｍ×3.5ｃｍ、taken within late 6 months, Upper body without 　　　a hat）
	②	Issued Alien Registration Certificate ・Receive your card at the City Hall Building #4, First floor, Window #5 ・You must carry this alien registration card with you all the time.
	③	Change in registered details ・When you have changed your status of residence, your place of residence, 　　etc., you must notify those changes. (Within 14 days after the date of 　　change) ・If you move to a different region, you must notify to your new municipal 　　government.
	④	For Re-issue ・When your certificate is lost, you notify to the police station 　　(Tel. 0835-25-0110) 　　In addition, you must apply for a re-issue in the city office within 14 days 　　after you find the loss. 　・The place you apply: City Hall building #4, First Floor, Window #5 ・Necessary documents: Passport, Two copies of photo 　　(4.5cm ×3.5cm taken within late 6 months)
	⑤	When Alien Registration Card no longer needed ・When a foreign resident leaves Japan, the Alien Registration Card must be 　　　returned to an Immigration Office at the airport or seaport where you 　　embark.

3．Social Insurance and Pension

(1)

Japanese medical insurance

To reduce the burden of medical expenses, people who stay more than one year in Japan shall join any Japanese medical insurance systems such as Health Insurance(Shakai Hoken) affiliated with your workplace or National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken).

①

Health Insurance (Social Insurance)
・For people who work in a company in Japan
・Procedures: Carried out by employer. Please enquire at your workplace.
・Premiums: 　The premiums need to be paid evenly by employer and employee
　　　　　　　　　through withholding.
・Medical expenses:
　　　　　　　　　 70% of the whole medical fees of the person who joins the
　　　　　　　　　　insurance and his/her family is covered by Health Insurance.
　　　　　　　　　　The expenses of on-the-job-accident are covered by the 　　
　　　　　　　　　　workers' Compensation Insurance.

②

National Health Insurance
・For people who live for one year or more, and who are not insured by
　Health Insurance.
・Procedures: You apply at the City Hall (Insurance and Pension Division)
・Premiums: You pay the full amount.
・Medical expenses: 70% of the whole medical fees of the person who joins the 　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　insurance and his/her family is covered by National Health 　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　Insurance.
・For more info.: Insurance and Pension Division ( City Hall Building
　　　　　　　　　　　 #4 First Floor Window #8) Tel. 0835-25-2322

Health Insurance Card, Hokensho

・A health insurance card is issued after you have completed the entry
　procedure.
・You need to bring your health insurance card when examined by a doctor.
・Notify the Insurance and Pension Division when your address changes.
・When you move out the city or return to your country, the card must be 　
　returned.

(2)

Pension

① 　

National Pension
・All persons residing in Japan between the age of 20 and 59 including
　foreigners must enter the National Pension System.
・Procedures: You apply at the City Hall
　　　 (Insurance and Pension Division Tel. 0835-25-2322))
・Premiums: You pay the full amount.
・Basic pension will be supplied.
・Lump-sum withdrawal payments:
　The lump-sum withdrawal will be supplied a person who made payment of 　
　premiums for more than 6 months in Japan, and who claims for supplying
　within 2 years after your return.
　　　　　　（Please confirm at the social insurance office before your return.）

②

Employee Pension
・For person who works for a company with his/her working visa
・Procedures: The company you work for will undertake the entry prodedures.
・Premiums: The premiums need to be paid evenly by employer and employee
　　　　　　　　through withholding
・Basic pension and employee pension will be supplied.
・Lump-sum withdrawal payments:
　The lump-sum withdrawal will be supplied a person who made payment of
　premiums for more than 6 months in Japan, and who apply for supplying
　within 2 years after your return.
　　　　（Please confirm at the social insurance office before your return.）

Pension card is issued after you have completed the entry procedure.

4．Emergencies

(1)

Fire, Emergency treatment(Injury・Sudden illness) (Simply dial 119)

■In the case of fire
　　Inform your neighbors that there is a fire in a loud voice "Kaji desu!" and 　
　　then call 119 to report the fire.
■In the case of emergency treatment
　　Call an ambulance for medical emergencies only. If your illness or injury is not
　　serious, visit a hospital by yourself.

(2)

Traffic Accidents, Crimes (Simply dial 110)

■If you get involved in traffic accidents or crimes, call 110 for police station
　　to report the accident.
■If someone is injured in a traffic accident, please call 110 and 119 for an
　　ambulance.

(3)

Lost property

■Koban (police boxes) are in every neighborhood. Contact your local police
　　station or Koban (police box).

Emergency phone number
　　　　１１９（Fire Station）Fire, Sudden illness, Serious injury etc.
　　　　（No charge）
① Explain to the operator clearly whether the emergency is a fire or injury or
　　sudden illness.
② Explain what happened when and where to the operator.
③ Give your name, place and phone number.
　　　　　　
　　　　１１０（Police Station）Theft, Car accidents, Crimes etc.
　　　　（No charge）
① Explain what happened when and where to the operator.
② Give your name, place and phone number.

(4)

Earthquake

Japan is a country frequented by earthquakes. Be sure to keep calm action in mind when the time comes.

■Confirm the location of a safe evacuation area and your evacuation route.
■Prepare water, medical supplies, battery operated flashlight, radio etc.
■Secure furniture so that it won't fall over.
■Do not put heavy things or glasswork on tall furniture.　
■Do not place tall furniture in a room for infants, the aged, or the sick.

※In the event of an earthquake
■Do not run outdoors in a panic.
■Extinguish all flames around you immediately.
■Flee from any furniture which could easily fall and put your body under a desk
　　or table.
■Do not use elevators.

(5)

Typhoon

Typhoon season in Japan is between June and November. As typhoon is one of the forecastable natural disasters, please take preventive measures against typhoon.

■Please refrain from going outdoors.
■Pay close attention to weather forecasts and warning.
■Move or fix the items outside such as bicycles to prevent them from being
　　blown away.
■Close the shutters.
■Try to get tsunami advisory when outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming,
　　boating are planned.

(6)	Designated evacuation shelters
		There are 71 designated evacuation shelters such as schools or community centers in 15 locations in Hofu. The following are reminders about the "Designated Evacuation Shelter".
	◇ When you volunteer to evacuate in early time, only shelters with this sign 　　「自主避難」 in the list are available. ◇ In case of voluntary evacuation, provisions such as food or blanket etc. 　　are not supplied. ◇ Other shelters except shelters with this sign 「自主避難」are designated by the 　　Disaster Countermeasure Office the city sets up. ◇ The phone numbers with the mark of ※ are available even during power failure. ● All of the shelters with the mark of ○, and some with the mark of □, will be 　　for registered persons who need care in a time of disaster. ★ Click the following button to confirm nearly listed designated evacuation 　　shelters in your area

5．Daily Life

(1)	Medical Services
	①	Medical examination and treatment ・If it is your first visit, you must present your proof of health insurance card 　to the receptionist. You must also fill out the needed information on the 　examination questionnaire. ・Those who do not speak Japanese should go with an interpreter. ・Medical Examination shall be implemented in the order of arrival without a 　reservation except for dental clinics. ・Examination Hours depend on hospitals or clinics.
	②	During holidays and at night, hospitals admit emergency cases under a rotation system. Hospitals and clinics available on weekends, holidays and night are on the City Paper.
	③	Hospital Search 　　http://www.qq.pref.yamaguchi.lg.jp/

(2)

Public facilities

Make use of public facilities and enjoy yourself.

① 　

Hofu City Library （Tel. 0835-22-0780）Rursus Hofu 3F
・Open to anyone living, working, or studying in Hofu. You will need to bring
　your ID with your name and address on it for registration.
・One person can borrow up to 10 books, magazines, storybooks with pictures,
　and 2 CDs, cassette tapes (12 items in all) for two weeks.
・Open Hours: Monday・Wednesday～ Friday 9:30～19:00
　　　　　　　　　　 Saturday・Sunday・National Holidays 9:30～17:30
・Closed Days: Tuesday, Year-end and New Year holidays, Organizing day
　　　　　　　　　　　(First　Thursday), General stocktaking days
　　　　　　　　　※See the Library calendar or the City Paper.

②

Sports facilities （Hofu Sports Center Tel. 0835-23-3100）
・City public swimming pool、gym、tennis court etc., are available inexpensively. Refer to the city paper. You need to make a reservation in case of use.

③

Culture and Welfare Center (Tel. 0835-23-1500)
&Local Community Center
・Culture and Welfare Center or Community Center is open to citizens to
　have meetings or circle activities.
・Reservation is needed.
・Lessons of Japanese culture or hobby activities are available.（Some is
　charged.）

(3)

Transportation

(4)

Driver's License

Person who has a driver's license you got in except Japan is required to have one of the following licenses to drive in Japan
・International driving permit issued by signatory countries of the
　 "Geneva Convention"
・Domestic driver's license of Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium,
　Taiwan
・Japanese driver's license

① 　

To change a foreign driver's license to a Japanese one, or to get a Japanese 　　driver's license, contact the following center.

For Information and Procedures:

Yamaguchi Sogo Kotsu(General Traffic) Center
　　　　Address: 3560-2 Shimogo Ogori-machi Yamaguchi City
　　　　Tel. 083-973-2900

(5)

Housing

For lifeline utilities, make sure you complete applications to use them before moving in.

① 　

Water supply
For application, or in case of leakage of water, water cutoff, Contact Hofu Waterworks Bureau, General Affairs Division, Customer Service Promoting Section
(Tel. 0835-23-2511)

②

Electricity
For application, or in case of power failure, etc., Contact Chugoku Electric Power Company Yamaguchi Branch
　　　　　　　　　　　・When house-moving (Tel. 0120-612570 )
　　　　　　　　　　　・For other inquiries; (Tel. 0120-612530)

③

Gas
For application, or in case of leakage of gas, etc., Contact Yamaguchi Godo Gas Hofu Branch (Tel. 0835-22-0026 ) for city gas. Contact a retailer for propane gas (LP gas).

(6)

Bank

①　

Opening a bank account
・The following items are necessary to open an account.
　　　Identification papers(Certificate of Alien Registration, or passport, or
　　　driver's license, etc.) and personal seal, Inkan.　(Refer to (8) )
・A bankbook is issued when an account opened to be printed money
　　　withdrawing.
・When opening, you can go through a procedure for automatic transfer
　　　service for public utility charges
・A cash card also can be made when opening, and it enables us to deposit
　　　and withdraw money at ATM on holidays or after usual hours.
・Four-digit secret code number is needed.

②

Opening Hours
・Monday ～ Friday　 9:00～15:00

③

Available Hours for ATM(Automatic Teller Machine is set not only in banks, but also in supermarkets or city office.)
　　　Monday ～ Friday 8:45～19:00
　　　Saturday 9:00～17:00
　　　Sunday & National Holiday 9:00～17:00

●A fee of \105 is charged to use an ATM during the following hours.
　　　Before 8:45 and after 18:00 on Monday ～ Friday
　　　After 14:00 on Saturday
　　　Sunday & National Holidays

④

Sending and Receiving Money Abroad
Depending on the service type and the banks you use, the time necessary for sending and receiving money varies.
・Remittance by check
・Ordinary remittance
・Telegraphic Remittance

(7)

Postal Service

The post office handles all mailing services. The mark of "〒" indicates of post offices, their offices concerned, mailboxes, and the shops at which sell stamps.

①　

Usual Opening Hours:
　　　Monday～ Friday 9:00～17:00
　　　For savings & insurance offered by post offices 9:00~16:00

②

International Mail
　　　・Letters
　　　・Postcards
　　　・Printed matters (Christmas cards, books, catalogues, and document 　　　　　
　　　　copies can be sent at a discount rate.)
　　　・Small packets (Items under 2kg)
　　　・Parcel Post (Parcels up to 20kg)
　　　・Special Mail

③

Mailing Classification
　　　・Airmail
　　　・Sea mail
　　　・SAL (Surface Air Lifted Mail: SAL is less expensive than airmail
　　　　and faster than surface mail.)
　　　・EMS (Express Mail International Service: EMS is the fastest mail for
　　　　documents or items up to 30kg)

④

Change of address Notification
If you send a moving-out notification to the post office, mails sent to the old address will be transferred to the new address for a year after moving-out.

(8)

Personal Seal　（Inkan）

・In Japan, when you draw up important documents such as account opening,
　money depositing and withdrawing, etc., you are required to sign your name
　and affix your personal seal on them.

・You can have your personal seal made at a seal shop, Inbanten.

(9)

Japanese Language Courses for foreigners

①　

Japanese Language course
The volunteer group of "Waon わをん" offers the course at Hofu Culture and Welfare Center on Tuesdays. (19:00～21:00)
Contact Ms. Fujimoto (Tel. 090-9062-3604)

②

Courses in other cities
Basic Japanese language courses are held at six locations ( Shimonoseki City, Hagi City, Shunan City, Yamaguchi City, Ube City, and Iwakuni City)in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The courses start in April and September, each covering three months.

For more information:
　　　Yamaguchi International Exchange Association
　　　　　　　　Address: 〒753-0811
　　　　　　　　　　4-17-1, Yoshiki-shimohigashi, Yamaguchi-City
　　　　　　　　　(Tel. 083-925-7353)

(10)

Garbage Disposal

※　

Household refuse should be properly sorted according to the rules determined by each locality and be placed in a designated area at the designated time.

See the following list how to sort garbage.

① 　

Burnable garbage
・Collection days: 　Comfirm the days of your area.
　　　　　　　　　　　　 Mondays and Thursdays Area
　　　　　　　　　　　　 Tuesdays and Fridays Area
　　　　　　　　　　　　 Garbage is not collected on holidays and national holidays, 　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　but(July 20th, September 21st and 22nd in 2009)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　collected.
・Only garbage put into the bags specified by the city is collected. You can buy 　
　at supermarkets or city office.
　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Kitchen waste	・Drain off.・Cooking oil waste should be soaked in 　　paper or a piece of cloth.
Papers	・Wastepaper, Disposable diaper ■Magazines and newspaper are recyclable.
Wood chips Weeds	・Smaller than 5cm in diameter, shorter than 50cm ・Put out on the latter day of the week
Clothes・Plastic items Vinyl items	・Cut in smaller than 50cm on every side 　　Curtain, Hose, Rope, Styrofoam, Leisure seat, 　　　Screen, Futon, Carpet ・When Futon or Carpet carried to the Clean Center 　　by yourself, they don't need to be cut.

② 　

Non-burnable garbage
・Refer to the Recycle Calendar for collecting days in your area.
・Recyclable home electrical appliances such as Air conditioner, TV set,
　Refrigerator, Laundry machine, Personal computer and Motor bike are not
　collected.

Electric, gas, oil appliances	・Vacuum Cleaner, Microwave oven, Fluorescent light, 　Lightbulb, Gas cooker, Heater(Remove left fuel or 　batteries)
Glass items Cutting tools Ceramics	・Glass bottles except food container (Empty them) ・Glass items, Cups, Plates, Flowerpot, Bowls etc.
Scrap metals	・Pots, Kettles, cans(except beverage cans)　Rinse 　inside .・Spray cans, Portable gas cylinders (Use up content) ■Dry cell batteries should be separated from others.

③

※

Large-sized garbage
・Large-sized garbage of the size between 50cm and 2m should be carried
　by yourself to the Clean Center.
　(Futon, Tatami mats(Cut in half), Bicycle, Chest of drawers, Tables, Desks)

Large-sized garbage, Large amount garbage, House-moving garbage are
　collected for a charge.

Make a reservation at the Clean Center.

④ 　

Recyclable garbage

Cans	・Cans of beverage only(Remove its cap and rinse 　inside.)
Bottles	・Bottles of foods or internal medicine only　　(Including broken bottles)(Remove tops and rinse 　inside. Sort in colors of transparent, brown, and others.) ・Beer bottles and 1.8 liter bottles should be returned 　to liquor shop.
Plastic Bottles	・Bottles used for soft drinks, liquor, or seasonings.　　(Remove tops and rinse inside.)
Papers	・Newspaper(including ad inserts) ・Magazines, Books ・Cardboard ■Cross-tie with a string.

⑤ 　

Recyclable Home electrical appliances
Personal computers, Air conditioners, Televisions, Refrigerators and Freezers,
　and Laundry machines
・Please return them to the shop you bought from or the shop you are going
　to buy a new one.
・In some cases, recycling fee is needed.

⑥

Un-collectable Garbage
・Recyclable home electrical appliances, Tires, Car batteries, Fire extinguisher, 　
　Farming machinery and tools, Waste-oil are not collected.

For more Information or inquiries about garbage.　

Hofu Clean Center
　　　　　Address:〒747-0825 364 Shinden Hofu　　

　　　　　Tel.: 0835-22-4742
　　　　　Fax: 0835-24-4389
　　Open Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 ~ 12:00
　　　　　Saturday, Sunday, and National holidays are closed. 　　　　　　　　

(11)

Contact us

※　

※

Hofu International Affairs Office

Hofu International Affairs Office
　　　Address: 〒747-8501
　　　　　　　　　　7-1 Kotobuki-cho Hofu-City
　　　Tel: 0835-25-2768
　　　E-mail: soumuka@city.hofu.yamaguchi.jp

Yamaguchi International Exchange Association
Yamaguchi International Exchange Association engages in various activities such as holding of lectures, lecture meetings, and Japanese courses for foreigners living in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Events aimed at supporting the promotion of international exchange and cooperation in the area are organized annually.
・ Japanese Classes
・ One-on-one Japanese Lessons with a Volunteer
・ Multi-Lingual Support Service
・ Legal Advice Clinic

Yamaguchi International Exchange Association
　　　Open 8:30~17:15 on Tuesday to Saturday
　　　　 (Except National Holidays)
　　　Address: 〒753-0811
　　　　　　　　　　4-17-1, Yoshiki-shimohigashi, Yamaguchi-City
　　　Tel: 083-925-7353
　　　URL: http://www.yiea.or.jp