3rd grade
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If your child becomes unwell on holidays or at night, you can seek advice via phone. Pediatricians or nurses are available to help you decide whether or not to go to a hospital.
What to Do if Your Child Suddenly Becomes Unwell on Holidays or at Night?
Children’s health phone consultation services are available even on holidays and at night. Pediatricians or nurses are available to answer questions such as how to deal with your child’s condition and which hospital to visit. Call the following number if you have trouble making decisions about your child’s sudden illness:
Children’s Health Phone Consultation: #8000 (from push-button land lines and cell phones)
Tokyo: 03-5285-8898 (from all phones including dial lines and IP phones)
Operating hours:
- Monday through Friday (other than national holidays, and year-end and New Year’s holidays): 6:00 pm to 8:00 am
- Saturday, Sunday, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays: 8:00 am to 8:00 am on the following day
Daytime Consultations About Your Child
Consultation services are available at health centers in your local ward/city, if you have any concerns about your child’s growth or health but you do not think it requires a hospital visit. Childcare consultation is available on a fixed date. Phone consultations and home visit consultations are also available. Check with each health center for their operating dates and hours.
-Tokyo Health Center
Special Ward Public Healthcare Center
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Tokyo 018 (zero-ichi-hachi) support is a child allowance to provide seamless support for the upbringing of all children residing in Tokyo. To start receiving the allowance in January, 2024 (Reiwa 6), applications must be submitted by December 15, 2023.
What Is 018 (Zero-Ichi-Hachi) Support?
018 support provides 5,000 yen per month (60,000 yen annual) per child who is a resident in Tokyo and is 18 or under. The purpose of this allowance is to provide steady support to children’s learning and development, and to create a child-rearing friendly environment.
Tokyo Child/Child-rearing Support
Who Is Eligible?
There is no income limit to receive 018 support. Children who meet following requirements are eligible.
1.If the child was born between April 2, 2005 (Heisei 17) and March 1, 2024 (Reiwa 6).
2.If the child has or has had an address in Tokyo during the fiscal year 2023 (in principle).
* This includes those who were born, those who moved into Tokyo, and those who moved out of Tokyo, during the fiscal year 2023
* Residence status as of the 1st of each month will be confirmed.
What Is the Amount and Timing of Payment?
The amount paid by 018 support is 5,000 yen per child per month. A lump-sum amount will be paid in January, 2024, if applications are submitted by December 15, 2023.
How to Apply for 018 Support
Applications can be submitted online:
-If the eligible person (child) is under 18 years old, a guardian/parent must apply.
- If the eligible person (child) is 18 years old, a guardian/parent or the eligible person themselves must apply.
* As the age of 18 is considered an adult, a letter of attorney from the eligible person (child) is required when a guardian/parent is submitting the applications.
If you are unable to submit applications online, applications by postal mail are accepted. As a special application form is required to apply by mail, call the call center to ask for the form.
Documentations Required to Apply for 018 Support
To apply for 018 support, the following documentations are required; “identity verification document for applicant”, “documents that confirm the family relationship between the applicant and the child (eligible person)”, “documents that can confirm the bank account for the transfer”. Make sure to prepare these documents in advance.
Points to Note When Applying
018 support allowance is considered part of the eligible person’s (child’s) income. If the eligible child’s income for the year is only the 018 support allowance, it is not taxed. If the eligible child has a temporary income other than the 018 support allowance, or lives outside of Japan, it may be taxed.
Call the call center if you have any questions. For those who are receiving public assistance, the 018 support allowance will not be recognized as income.
Call the call center if you have further questions. If you wish to receive this allowance, apply immediately.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government 018 Support Benefits Call Center
Navi Dial:0570-082-018
* Operating hours: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (including Saturdays, Sundays and holidays except for year-end and New Year holidays)
○Easy Japanese and multilingual versions of the flyer
-Easy Japanese version
018 Support Flyer (Easy Japanese version) (PDF:1,429KB)
018 Support Online Application Guide (Easy Japanese version)(PDF:1,710KB)
-English version
018 Support Flyer (English version) (PDF:1,456KB)
018 Support Online Application Guide (English version) (PDF:1,746KB)
-Chinese version
018 Support Flyer (Chinese version) (PDF:1,585KB)
018 Support Online Application Guide (Chinese version) (PDF:1,859KB)
-Korean version
018 Support Flyer (Korean version) (PDF:1,490KB)
018 Support Online Application Guide (Korean version) (PDF:1,755KB)
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Tokyo metropolitan housing refers to rental housing for people with low incomes who are having trouble finding housing. There are housing types for families and single persons. Below is information on Tokyo metropolitan housing, such as eligibility and how to apply for it.
Who Qualifies for Tokyo Metropolitan Housing?
Eligibility Requirements for Family Housing:
1.The applicant must live in Tokyo as of application date.
2.The applicant must have family members living with them (*this also applies to those in partnership).
3.The applicant must be having difficulty finding housing.
4.The income of the household must be within the specified criteria.
Total income of the applicant’s household must be within the income criteria:
-Income Criteria (since April, 2009)
“Salary income” is applicable only if one person of the household has an income and the income is a salary. “Income amount” is an amount in the column “amount after deduction of employment income” on the salary withholding tax slip, or an amount in the total income column of the final tax return. If you receive a pension, check the taxation certificate (or tax exemption certificate).
When Can You Apply for Tokyo Metropolitan Housing?
Applications for Tokyo metropolitan housing are accepted several times a year. There are two ways that the government selects residents: a lottery and point system. The point system is used to give priority to some households if the level of their financial distress is determined to be high after reviewing their existing conditions listed on the special application form. There is a preferential lottery system that allows the household to apply for a better chance of winning in May and November, if they are applying for the housing unit for two or more people and meet specific eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for Tokyo Metropolitan Housing
(1)Online
Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Information Website:Apply here:
(2)By postal mail
-Where the housing guidelines/application forms can be found:
The housing guidelines for applicants and application forms are distributed for free at Tokyo Metropolitan Government office, ward offices, city hall, town/village office, Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation head office and customer support center, during the application period (excluding Saturdays and Sundays).
The guidelines and application forms can also be downloaded from the “Metropolitan Housing Application Information” page on Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation website during the application period.
* Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation head office, customer support centers
(choose desired language at the top of the page)
* “Housing Guidelines” and “Application Forms” can be downloaded Metropolitan Housing Application Information”
How Much Is the Rent for the Metropolitan Housing?
The rent for the metropolitan public housing is determined by the household’s income, the area it is in, the size of the housing and the age of the building. As an example, the rent for housing unit (Minami-tanaka apartment) for two people in Nerima ward (1-1, Shakujiimachi, Nerima-ku) is as listed below:
Contact the numbers below if you have any questions about metropolitan housing:
Tokyo Metropolitan Housing Supply Corporation, Housing Registration Center (9:00 am – 6:00 pm)
03-6418-5546 (automatic voice guidance)
Metropolitan Housing Application Information
(choose desired language at the top of the page)
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In Japan, there are medical examinations and necessary procedures that both mothers and children undergo from pregnancy to postpartum. There is also financial support that you can receive when you give birth. In addition, vaccinations and checkups for the baby are provided after giving birth. Records of vaccinations and health checkups need to be provided when entering elementary school. Below is information about procedures that you need to go through after giving birth until your child enters elementary school.
Things to Do During Pregnancy
Decide where to give birth once you know you are pregnant. In Japan, it is common to give birth in a hospital or midwifery clinic. Ask for advice at your local government office, if you do not know which hospital you would like to use. Maternal and child health handbooks and prenatal checkup assistance tickets can be provided at your local government office. A maternal and child health handbook is a notebook for managing the health of the mother and child from pregnancy to postpartum. Keep it in a safe place until after your child grows up, as you may be asked to check what is written in your handbook. A prenatal checkup assistance ticket is used when you visit the hospital to have your baby checked during pregnancy. Examination fees will be slightly cheaper if you use this ticket. Arrangements to receive the childbirth lump-sum allowance can be made at the hospital where you plan to give birth.
Important Procedures for a Newborn Child
In Japan, you will stay at the hospital for about 5 days after giving birth. During this time, your baby will receive some medical examinations at the hospital. A Notification of Birth needs to be submitted at your local government office within 14 days following your child’s birth. Arrangements for health insurance, a pediatric medical certificate and child allowance should also be made. Additional necessary procedures include registration of birth in the home country of the parent(s) at the embassy/consulate, and an application for a status of residence in Japan at the immigration office.
Medical Examination and Vaccination
Newborn children will receive a one-month checkup at the hospital where they were born. A 4-month checkup, 8-10-month checkup (not applicable in some areas), 18-month checkup, and 3-year checkup will follow. Make sure to take your child in for the checkups as you will receive notifications for these checkups from your local government office. Vaccinations begin at 2 months of age. Take your child to your child’s primary care doctor for vaccinations when you receive vaccination tickets from the government office. Vaccination records will be checked when entering kindergarten, nursery school, and elementary school.
Child’s Infant Stage
It is common to send children to a nursery school, kindergarten or early childhood center according to family circumstances. There are private and public facilities available. School information will be sent to your home during the year before entering elementary school. Follow the school guidance and make sure to attend informational sessions and health checkups at the elementary school.
(Reference) Kanagawa International Foundation “Parenting in Japan Support Website”
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Some Japanese local governments have a system to provide financial assistance, which covers some of the cost for preparations for entering elementary school. Check with your local government office in advance if you wish to receive this assistance, as many governments’ application deadline is in November.
Who Is Eligible for the New Enrollment Subsidies?
You are eligible to receive this assistance if your child is entering elementary school in April of the coming fiscal year and if any of the following descriptions are applicable to you:
A) Public income support was suspended or ended during the previous fiscal year
B) Receiving childcare allowance (single-parent households, etc.). Note: childcare allowance is different from child allowance or child rearing allowance
Total household income for 2021 is considered below standard. Note: In this case, municipal tax declaration at the local municipal office taxation department is required.
You are not eligible if you are receiving public income support, as you can receive new enrollment subsidies from public income support.
How Do You Apply for New Enrollment Subsidies?
Application forms for new enrollment subsidies are sent by mail from the Board of Education. Fill in the required information on the application form, and mail it to the School Affairs Division. Note that if you wish to receive Financial Aid for School Expenses after you receive the New Enrollment Subsidies, you need to apply for it separately once your child starts going to school.
To apply, you need:
A) Application Form (Letter of Consent/Account Transfer Request Form) for New Enrollment Subsidies (Elementary School Expense Subsidies)
B) Copy of bankbook or cash card for transfer account
C) Required documents for applicable items if any of the following is applicable to you:
1. If you were not registered as a resident as of January 1st of this year in the town where you live now:
Original certificate showing income amount and number of dependents, issued at resident registration place as of January 1st, 2022 [Fiscal year 2022 resident tax taxation certificate, etc.]
2. If your public income support was suspended or ended in other municipality during the previous fiscal year:
Certificate of public income support receipt issued by the other municipality and proves that public income support was suspended or ended during the previous fiscal year
When Will the New Enrollment Subsidies Be Paid?
The screening result will be sent to you by mail in late February. If certified, ¥54,060 (fixed amount) will be paid into your bank account at the end of February.
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Japanese elementary school children need to prepare their own supplies to use in class. Please check our past article about school supplies needed when entering elementary school(Click here). Let’s look at the supplies needed as the school year goes on.
Supplies Needed in 1st - 4th Grade in Elementary School
Supplies needed in early grades include a mathematics set, keyboard harmonica, recorder, water color set and calligraphy set. Some schools plan to purchase these supplies together for all the students. If that is not the case, each family can purchase the supplies at mass retailers (such as AEON) or online (such as Amazon, Yahoo!, Rakuten). Check handouts from your child’s school as there may be specific information on what needs to be purchased. You can also ask your child’s homeroom teacher.
Supplies Needed in 5th – 6th Grade in Elementary School
As your child goes into late elementary grades, supplies needed include a protractor, compass, sewing set, graver and apron. Similar to early elementary supplies, some schools may purchase these supplies together for all the students. Students also go on a school trip in 6th grade and a large backpack may be needed for the trip.
Most of these supplies can be found used, on online sites and flea markets. Some supplies can be passed onto younger siblings. Make sure to purchase supplies while keeping in mind your family’s needs and budget.
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Japanese elementary schools do not have uniforms. Students can wear whatever clothes they like to go to school. Clothes that allow children to move easily and stay safe are recommended. It is convenient to use materials and designs that are easy to wash and easy for children to handle.
Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
1.Clothes that are easy to move in:
As elementary school students move a lot, you may want to choose materials that stretch and allow them to move easily. If choosing a skirt, you may want to choose one that is neither too short nor too long, and overpants (pants worn under a skirt and hide underwear) can be worn if necessary.
2.Clothes that are easy to change into:
At elementary schools, students change into gym clothes and swimsuits during physical education class. Try to choose clothes that have fewer buttons and fasteners to allow children to change easily by themselves.3.Clothes that hide stains:
Paints, ink, etc. are used in classes at elementary schools, and students’ clothes may get dirty. Sometimes food may be spilled during school lunches. It is best to choose clothes with colors that make stains less noticeable, so that children can spend their time at ease without worrying too much about dirtying their clothes.4.Clothes with pockets:
Elementary school children are encouraged to bring handkerchiefs and tissues. Children can put them in their pockets if they have them. It is also recommended to use mobile pockets. Mobile pockets are pockets that can be attached to clothes with clips. You can purchase them at the store or make them yourself.5.Clothes that are easy to wash:
When children spend the day energetically, their clothes get dirty. You may want to have your child wear clothes that are easy to wash. Clothes that do not get damaged even when washed in a washing machine, that dry easily and that do not wrinkle easily are recommended. As winter clothing like jackets can also get dirty, you may want to choose the materials that can be washed at home.
How Many Changes of Clothes Should Be Prepared?
Children sweat and get dirty. As sometimes they need to change clothes during the day, having about 5 sets of tops and bottoms each for spring/summer and fall/winter may be ideal. In addition, it is recommended to prepare underwear, socks, warm clothes and hats, according to the season.
Things to Keep In Mind When Choosing Clothes for Elementary School Children
You need to keep their safety in mind when choosing clothes for elementary school children. Injuries and accidents have been caused by hoods and strings attached to clothes. Hoods and strings getting caught on playground equipment, bicycles, escalators, doorknobs, etc. can sometimes lead to life-threatening accidents, such as falling or tightening children’s neck. Keep these points in mind when choosing clothes for your child.
Elementary school students spend a long time at school and have many opportunities to change their clothes at school. Make sure to write their name on clothes, underwear and socks. As children grow, their clothes preferences change. You may want to talk to your child about it and choose their clothes so that they can spend their time safely and comfortably at school.
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Japanese elementary school students may have an opportunity to go on a workplace tour during their comprehensive learning period. The purpose of the workplace tour is to help children understand the importance of working, and to increase children’s interest in the future and their awareness of issues, by visiting the places where adults work.
When Does a Workplace Tour Happen?
It often happens during students’ comprehensive learning period. The grade level for which the tour is given varies depending on the area you live in. It is often the case that a class will go on a tour to a company in the town where they live.
What Happens During a Workplace Tour?
Students will receive an explanation about the work being done at the workplace and observe how the work is done. In some cases, they may be able to experience part of the work or participate in a meeting. Students ask questions about the work to better understand what is going on.
What Can Students Learn From a Workplace Tour?
Workplace tours help students improve their view of their future. It is also expected to teach children how to take proactive steps toward their dreams for their futures.
The elementary school workplace tours will lead to workplace experiences that happen during junior high school. During the workplace experiences, children will be divided into small groups and work in various workplaces for a certain period of time. This is an opportunity for children to have good experiences in preparation for their future.
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Japanese elementary school club activities start when children are in 4th grade. Club activities happen after school on a specific day of the week or a couple of times a month. 4th, 5th and 6th grade students will do it together. Types of club activities include sports and cultural activities.
What Are the Club Activities For?
Club activities help children‘s development as they work with other grades and are given their own roles. It is also an opportunity for them to experience things that they might not experience at home or in class.
What Types of Club Activities Are There?
Club activities can be divided into sports and cultural activities. Sport clubs increase opportunities for children to exercise and help them build physical strength. They can also learn the rules of sports and how to cooperate with other club members through competition. Through cultural clubs, children can add to their experience and knowledge about what they are good at or what they like. They can also experience the joy of creation and discovery. Both types of club activities give children a chance to do things that they would not do in regular classes.
Here are specific types of club activities:Sports Activity Clubs:
- Track and field (mainly short-distance sprints and relay)
- Basketball
- Badminton
- Soccer
- Dance
- Gymnastics
Cultural Activity Clubs:
- Computers
- English
- Science
- Calligraphy
- Homemaking
- Choir
- Tea Ceremony (Japanese traditional tea ceremony – children will learn how to brew and drink tea)
Will Parents Help With Club Activities?
Club activities are held in elementary schools in order to help improve the independence of children. Therefore, children will make their own decisions on which club to join. It is also an opportunity for children to work together across grades and help their development. Parents are encouraged to support their children so that they can enjoy their club activities.
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Saturday classes are the classes held at schools on Saturdays. They are held once a month, and last about three hours. Not all public schools have Saturday classes. The situation varies depending on the area or school.
When Are Japanese Elementary Schools Off?
Japanese Elementary Schools are off on Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays. There used to be school on Saturdays, but Saturdays became a holiday in 2002 and the school system became five days a week.
Are There School Classes on Saturdays Now?
Saturday classes started to be held again in 2013, for the purpose of giving children enough learning opportunities. However, not all elementary schools have classes on Saturdays. Most schools have Saturday classes once a month, for about three hours. There is no school lunch on Saturday class days.
Check with your child’s school to see if Saturday classes are held or not.
Notes on Saturday Classes
You may need to make adjustments to after-school care and activities on Saturday class days. Make sure not to forget to make changes.