Recent FAQ

Recent FAQ

• Life is hard. Can you help me from the city?

  There is a comprehensive health and welfare consultation center called "Circle" where people who are having trouble in their daily lives can seek advice.
  If you make a reservation in advance for an in-person consultation, you will be guided smoothly.
  "Circle: General Health and Welfare Consultation Center" 047-495-7111
  Circle Brochure
  https://www.funabashi-multilingual.info/351c5a2ffaf14f3defbe193a85baf0aa494d13f4.pdf
  Reference articles on measures to support those living in poverty
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/kenkou/fukushi/012/index.html
  If you do not understand Japanese or would like to speak in your own language, please Telephone the Funabashi Multilingual Information Center .
  We will connect you to Circle and help you book a consultation.
  Telephone: 050-3101-3495
• Do I have to take out National Health Insurance?

  Anyone living in Japan must have public medical insurance.
  If you have public medical insurance, even if you get sick, you only have to pay 30% of the medical expenses yourself, and the insurance covers the remaining 70%.
  * 1 Those who do not have public medical insurance must pay 100% of their own medical expenses.
  In Japan, there are roughly two types of health insurance: "health insurance" for workplaces where people who work at companies, etc., and "national health insurance" for other people.
  As a general rule, foreign residents who have a status of residence of more than 3 months must join one of these.
  Check with your office or school to find out which insurance you have * 2.
  * 1 Only insured treatment.
  * 2 Procedures may differ depending on the conditions at the time of entry and the status of residence.
  When consulting by Telephone, please ask the National Health Insurance and Pension Division 047-436-2395 (Japanese only) or Funabashi Multilingual Information Center 050-3101-3495 (available in 12 languages).
• National health insurance premiums are expensive, and you may not be able to pay by the payment deadline. What should I do?

  If you take out National Health Insurance, you have to pay the insurance premium. If you have difficulty paying on time, please contact us as soon as possible as there are other methods such as installment payment.
  If you are behind on your insurance premiums, the delinquent charges will be added to your insurance premiums and you will have to pay more and more money. Not only that, you may not be able to use your health insurance card.
  If you cannot afford it, please contact us immediately instead of leaving it as it is.
  Please bring your ID such as payment notice and residence card and consult with the section in charge. The National Health Insurance and Pension Section on the 1st floor of the city hall has an interpreter tablet, so it can be used in 12 languages.
  City Hall National Health Insurance and Pension Division Insurance Premium Section 047-436-2395 (Japanese only)
  Alternatively, Funabashi Multilingual Information Center 050-3101-3495 (available in 12 languages).
• Do I have to join the national pension?

  All people between the ages of 20 and 59 living in Japan are required by law to enroll in the national pension and pay insurance premiums, regardless of nationality.
  Please check the Japan Pension Service website for details.
  https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/index.html
• I am leaving Japan. What will happen to the pension premiums I have paid so far?

  If the conditions are met, you can request a lump-sum withdrawal payment. However, you must make a claim within two years from the date you no longer have an address in Japan.
  Please check the Japan Pension Service website for details.
  https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/index.html
• Since I left the company, I can no longer use my workplace health insurance. I don't have a health insurance card.

  If you withdraw from your workplace health insurance, you will be enrolled in the National Health Insurance.
  Please apply for National Health Insurance at the following locations within 14 days from the date of withdrawal.
  ・ City Hall 1st floor National Health Insurance and Pension Division ・ Face Building 5th floor Funabashi Station General Counter Center ・ 7 branch offices in the city Since the above counters are equipped with interpreter tablets, they can speak 12 languages.
• A tax certificate (tax exemption certificate) and tax payment certificate are required to apply for extension of status of residence. Where can I get it?

  ・ City Hall, Taxation Division (2nd floor)
  ・Face Building, 5th floor, General Service Center in front of Funabashi Station・ Certificates can be issued at branch offices (7 locations in the city) and liaison offices (5 locations in the city).
  
  the cost is 300 yen per Certificate.
  The person must personally complete the application procedure at the counter.
  An Authorization letter is required when others obtain it.
  In addition, to receive a tax certificate from Funabashi City, you must be registered as a resident of Funabashi City as of January 1st of that year and have filed a tax return for your income from the previous year. Please refer to the link below for more information.
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/foreign/p123373.html​​
• I will return to Japan as a foreigner. What about tax payments?

  Even if you leave Japan (return to your home country, etc.), you will not be exempt from obligation to pay municipal tax, prefectural tax, and forest and environmental tax.
  If you used to work for a company, please consult with your company so that you can complete your tax payment before leaving Japan.
  If you are unable to pay municipal tax, prefectural tax, and forest and environmental tax before you leave Japan, you must appoint a "tax agent" from among those living in Japan who will handle tax procedures on your behalf, notify the city hall before you leave Japan.
  Please come to the Municipal Tax Division on the second floor of City Hall as soon as possible for consultation before you return to your home country.
  If you prefer to consult in your own language in advance, please contact the Funabashi Multilingual Information Center at 050-3101-3495 (available in 12 languages).
  Inquiries: Municipal Tax Division 047-436-2214 (Japanese only)
• Can children born abroad also receive a child allowance?

  Child allowance cannot be received unless both parents and child are residing in Japan.
  After returning to Japan, please first register as a resident at Funabashi City Hall Family Registration and Resident Section.
  Please apply for child allowance on the day of resident registration.
  Please note that the application must be submitted within 15 days from the day following the resident registration date.
  You can apply for child allowance at the following places.
  ・City Hall 3F Child Care Benefits Section
  ・Funabashi Station General Service Center, Window 14
  ・Any branch office or liaison office
  
  Required Documents
  ・Certification claim form (available at the counter)
  ・Bank Regular account passbook, cash card, or copies of these (in the name of the claimant)
  ・Identification document (for the person coming to the counter)
  ・Personal number confirmation document (for the claimant and spouse)
  Other documents may be required depending on the situation.
  For more information, please contact the Childcare Benefits Division, Child Support Section
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/kodomo/teate/001/p020586.html
  Tel: 047-436-2316
  Please note that if the application is false and the child allowance is overpaid, you will be required to return it.
  
  
• I would like to enroll my child in a nursery school. Where can I consult?

  When parents cannot take care of their children during the day due to work, sickness, or other reasons, nursery schools are places where children from the age of 0 to the time they enter elementary school can be entrusted.
  
  About consultation about nursery school, we accept nursery school concierge in nursery school entrance to school section (the third floor of the city hall main government building).
  It will be handled during the opening hours of the city hall (9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays).
  
  Inquiries Nursery School Entrance Division (City Hall 3F)
  Telephone 047-436-2330 (Japanese only)
  
  If you do not understand Japanese or want to speak in your own language, please consult the Funabashi Multilingual Information Center(12 languages ​​available). I will connect you to the Nursery School Admissions Division and interpret for you.
  Telephone: 050-3101-3495
  
  For more details, please see information such as Funabashi City Office homepage authorization nursery schools.
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/kodomo/hoiku/002/p054896.html
  
• I want to study Japanese.

  The Funabashi City International Association offers classes where you can learn Japanese. There are a variety of courses available, both face-to-face and online, so please read the application website carefully and choose the course that best suits you. All classes are subject to a fee.
  https://fira-system.info
  
  ★Japanese language classes (high school students and above)
  We divide the basics of Japanese into eight levels and teach you how to converse in everyday situations. We offer two courses: face-to-face and online.
  ●Face-to-face course: Study at community centers or association salons.
  ●Online course: Study via Zoom.
  
  ★Short-term Japanese language crash course (adults)
  Over a three-month period, twice a week, you will study 18 conversational situations related to everyday life, as well as 50 hiragana, katakana, and kanji characters.
  We will use the FIRA original textbook, "Three months of beginner's Japanese for living in Funabashi."
  
  
• Please tell me the site where you can study Japanese at home.

  Here are some free websites where you can enjoy studying conversation, grammar, hiragana, katakana, kanji, and other Japanese language skills on your own.
  Please use them to help you with your Japanese language studies. *Users will be responsible for communication charges.
  
  ★Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japanese Language Education Division)
  https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/howto
  
  ★Marugoto+ (The Japan Foundation)
  https://marugotoweb.jp/ja/
  
  ★Marugoto e-Learning (The Japan Foundation)
  https://www.marugoto.org/e-learning/
  
  ★Irodori: Japanese for Everyday Life (The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa)
  https://www.irodori.jpf.go.jp/starter/pdf.html
  
  ★NIHONGO e na(The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai)
  https://nihongo-e-na.com/jpn/
  
  ★NHK Easy Japanese (NHK)
  https://www.nhk.or.jp/lesson/en/
  
  ★Preschool children
  Tanoshiku Manabi-tai (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology)
  https://tanoshikumanabitai.mext.go.jp/
  
  ★Online lessons
  Chiba Prefecture International Center website
  https://www.mcic.or.jp/support_for_foreigners/japanese_class/japanese_onlineclass/
  
  
  
  
• Where can I make my plastic My Number card?

  If you have a smartphone, a computer, or an application, you can apply by mail.
  For details, please see the My Number Card comprehensive site (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese)
  https://www.kojinbango-card.go.jp/
  Please take note that Cards will not be issued on the day of application. It will takes about 2 months to receive it.
  For more information on the application, please visit the following counters. Tablets and Pocketalks are available for interpretation.
  ・ City Hall 1st floor Family Register Residents Division
  ・ Temporary My Number Card Issuance Venue
  ・ 7 Office Branches within the city
  
  For phone consultations, please call the Family Registry and Resident Affairs Division at 047-436-2270 (Japanese only) or Funabashi City Foreigner General Consultation Counter at 050-3101-3495 (available in 12 languages).
  There is also a detailed explanation on the Family Register and Residents Division website. See "About My Number Card (Individual Number Card)"
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/kurashi/koseki/006/0001/p091589.html
• My child has two nationalities, Japanese and foreign. Do I have to choose my nationality?

  Those who have Japanese nationality and foreign nationality can
  You must select your nationality.
  The deadline for selecting nationality has been changed from April 1, 2022 as follows.
  ・If you acquire dual nationality before reaching the age of 18 → until reaching the age of 20
  ・If you acquire dual nationality after reaching the age of 18 → Within 2 years from the time you acquired dual nationality
  For more information, please refer to the website of the Ministry of Justice, "Selection of Nationality".
  http://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji06.html
  
  
• Is there a hospital in Funabashi that can speak foreign languages?

  ●You can search on the Medical information net (NABII).
  https://www.iryou.teikyouseido.mhlw.go.jp/znk-web/juminkanja/S2300/initialize
  Please search under "Find a medical institution", "Search thoroughly", and then "Search by available foreign language".
  
  ●AMDA International Medical Information Center
  The AMDA International Medical Information Center introduces medical institutions and medical welfare systems in multiple languages.
  See AMDA International Medical Information Center website for details
  https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/
• I don't understand Japanese well, so I'm worried about going to the hospital.

  ●Chiba General Consultation Service for Foreign Residents (Chiba International Convention Bureau, Chiba International Exchange Center) (JR Kaihin Makuhari Station)
  You can request medical interpretation over the Telephone, such as when communicating with doctors and nurses at a hospital. (Because it may not be possible, please check in advance.)
  URL: https://www.mcic.or.jp/support_for_foreigners/telephone_consultation/
  (Telephone number) 043-297-2966
  
  You can also download medical questionnaires and explanations of examination items translated into various languages ​​from the following site. please refer.
  
  ●Multilingual Medical Questionnaire
  http://www.kifjp.org/medical/
  You can search by subject or language.
  
  ● NPO AMDA International Medical Information Center
  https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/questionnaire
  There are also translations for vaccinations, medical examinations, and tests.
• I am coming to Japan for the first time, so I would like to complete the procedures for resident registration.

  Resident registration procedures can be handled at the Funabashi City Hall (Family Registration and Resident Section on the 1st floor), each branch office, and the General Counter Center in front of Funabashi Station.
  For details, please check the Funabashi City website.
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/kurashi/koseki/002/p009790.html
  
• I am a foreigner.Is there public housing available for rent? Can I apply?

  There are prefectural housing managed by Chiba Prefecture, municipal housing managed by Funabashi City, and UR rental housing by UR Urban Renaissance Agency.
  
  ●Chiba Prefectural Housing For foreign residents, applicants and relatives who intend to live with them must have a status of residence of one year or longer. (Including spouses of Japanese with status of residence)
  In principle, applications are accepted four times a year.
  Please see the website of Chiba Prefectural Housing Supply Corporation for details such as application qualifications.
  https://www.chiba-kousya.or.jp/index-kenei.html
  ●Funabashi Municipal Housing Municipal housing is available only to foreigners with the status of residence of "Permanent Resident", "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" or "Special Permanent Resident". Other eligibility requirements, such as income, must also be met.
  In principle, applications are accepted four times a year.
  As you publish in public information paper of city and homepage of Funabashi Municipal Housing Management Center about acceptance period, application distribution period, please confirm.
  For details, please contact the Funabashi Municipal Housing Management Center at 047-436-2040.
  https://www.funabashi-shiei.jp/
  (Reference link) Housing Policy Division Homepage Guide to Municipal Housing System
  https://www.city.funabashi.lg.jp/machi/juutaku/003/p004005.html
  ● UR rental housing of UR Urban Renaissance Agency
  You can apply for UR rental housing by searching for a property that meets your needs from the UR Urban Renaissance website.
  For more information, including eligibility requirements, please visit our website.
  https://www.ur-net.go.jp/