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Each local government offers different types of support for those who have evacuated from Ukraine.
Website Where You Can Search For Available Relief Supplies and Services
Those who have evacuated from Ukraine can receive necessary relief supplies and services through the Immigration Services Agency website shown below. You will also find information regarding working conditions and the certificate of refugee status on this website.
Tokyo Helpdesk For Evacuees From Ukraine
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “Tsunagari” offers “One-Stop Consultation Desk for Evacuees from Ukraine”. This service provides the necessary information and detailed consultation for the people who evacuated from Ukraine, so that they can live in Tokyo feeling secure.
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “Tsunagari”; One-Stop Consultation Desk for Evacuees from Ukraine
Phone: 03-6258-1227
Support Provided By Local Governments
Some local governments provide one-time financial assistance for living expenses. This applies to families whose head of the household is certified as an evacuee from Ukraine, and plan to live in the community for at least a month. If approved, the household will receive 100,000 yen through a bank transfer or by cash. Note that this is a one-time financial assistance. Other support by local governments can include free hair cut services by reserving in advance. Content of the support varies depending on the government, so check with the local government for the available support services in the area you live in or plan to live in in the future.
School Attendance And Japanese Language Education Support For Evacuees
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers information and consultation services for evacuees to Japan, regarding both school attendance and Japanese Language Education. Available languages for these support services are Easy Japanese and English.
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Help Desk:
Phone: 0120-082-434 extension 4751 (phone rate applies)
IP Phone (from overseas): +8-3-5253-4111 (Weekdays - 9:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.)
E-mail: ukraine-helpdesk@mext.go.jp
Click the following link for more information regarding education in Japan
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology "Support for evacuees from Ukraine
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Japanese elementary school children go to school on their own. Although they may walk to and from school in a group at the beginning of the school year, the rest of the time they are basically on their own commuting to and from school. Personal safety alarms are to protect children on the way to and from school.
What Are Personal Safety Alarms Like?
Personal safety alarms make a loud noise when a pull pin is removed or a button is pressed. Children can draw others’ attention by triggering their personal safety alarms, even if they cannot call out for help when they sense danger. It can also scare a suspicious person when they feel unsafe. Personal safety alarms are recommended to be kept where they can easily be accessed by children, such as the belt of their randoseru (school backpack).
Where Can You Purchase Personal Safety Alarms?
Personal Safety Alarms are available at stores which handle children’s school supplies, such as stationery stores, home improvement stores, department stores, shopping malls, and online stores. An important point when choosing a personal safety alarm is the volume. The louder the volume, the better. As the way to produce sound also varies depending on the device, you may want to talk about it with your child, so you can choose the one that is easy for them to use. Choosing one that it is hard to stop the sound on will prevent the suspicious person from stopping the alarm. Children should be taught how to stop the sound as they may accidentally trigger the alarm.
Some Local Government Distribute Personal Safety Alarms For Free
Some local governments distribute personal safety alarms to children in the community for free. It often happens when children enter elementary school as first graders. Parents are responsible to replace it if their child’s safety alarm is broken or lost. Please check with your local government office to see if it is distributed for free or not, as the situation varies depending on the community.
Although some communities have neighborhood volunteers to watch children walking to and from school, it is very important to teach your child the way to protect themselves when it is necessary. Consider personal safety alarms as a way for your child to protect themselves.
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Students from households with difficulties paying for school expenses are eligible to apply for “School Attendance Financial Aid System”, which helps them pay for school supplies and lunch fees. It is also known as “Financial Aid for School Expenses”. Education is compulsory for all children for all six years of elementary school and all three years of junior high school in Japan, and public school tuition fees and text book fees for this period are free. If it is difficult for families to pay for other school expenses, parents can apply for financial aid to the national and/or local government.
Who is Eligible for the School Attendance Financial Aid System?
Families with elementary and/or junior high school students that meet at least one of the following conditions are eligible for School Attendance Financial Aid.
1. Receiving public income support
2. Public income support was suspended or ended during the previous school year
3. Receiving childcare allowance (single-parent households, etc.). Note: childcare allowance is different from child allowance or child rearing allowance
4. Total household income for 2022 is considered below standard. Note: In this case, municipal tax declaration at the local municipal office taxation department is required.
What Kind of Expenses Qualify for School Attendance Financial Aid?
Japanese school expenses are around 10,000 yen per month. The following expenses qualify for the School Attendance Financial Aid:
School supplies/physical education gear/new student’s school supplies/commuting goods/commuting expenses/school trip expenses/extracurricular activity expenses/medical expenses/school lunch fees/club activity expenses/student council fee/PTA membership fee/graduation album fee/online education communication expenses. Check with your local government as applicable expenses may vary depending on the government.
How Do You Receive the School Attendance Financial Aid?
Application forms for School Attendance Financial Aid are handed out at school in April every year. Applicants need to fill in the form and submit it to the school office or the school affairs section of the school board. The application filling deadline is around the end of April. After the application evaluation is completed, “authorization result notification” will be sent by postal mail around July. If certified, the aid money will be transferred to your bank account that was specified on your application form.
When Will the Aid Money be Paid?
Although the timing of the aid money transfer varies in different areas, it is often paid three times a year, at the end of each school term. The timing will be at the end of July, end of December, and end of March. As it may be paid twice a year in some areas, make sure to confirm the timing with your local government.
Because there are many handouts from school in April, make sure to check them so that you can receive applicable financial aid needed for your child’s school attendance.
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“Gakudou” is an after-school child care for school-age children whose parents cannot be home during the day. Children are able to eat snacks, do their homework, and play. Below is some information about how to use this service.
Who is Qualified to Use “Gakudou”?
“Gakudou” is available for elementary-school-age children whose parents cannot be home because of work or some other reason. It is a place for these children to go to after school and stay until their parents get home. It is officially called “after-school children’s healthy upbringing business”.
What Kinds of “Gakudou” are There?
There are two general types of “gakudou”: public ones run by the local government and private ones run by Non-profit organizations or business enterprises.
Public “Gakudou”
The public ones are also called “after-school children’s club”. Although available hours vary in each place, it mainly opens around 12 pm - 2 pm when children get out of school, and closes around 6 pm, but may be available until 7 pm depending on the situation. It is closed on Sundays, holidays, non-school days, as well as the end-of-year-and-new-year holidays (December 29th – January 3rd). “Gakudou” charge around 4,000 – 10,000 yen per month. The exemption system applies to public gakudou fees. Families on welfare, households with residential tax exemptions, and families receiving school expense subsidies will be exempted from the gakudou fee after making additional applications.
Privately Owned “Gakudou”
Privately owned “gakudou” do not have requirements about parents and are basically available for all children as long as there is an opening for the child’s age. The other requirements vary depending on the facility. Some of the private ones offer after-school activities (lessons) and/or private tutoring classes, in addition to offering child care. They are sometimes open untill 8 pm or 9 pm. Usage fees vary depending on the place, but usually the fee is around 50,000 yen per month.
Where is Public “Gakudou” Located?
Public “gakudou” is usually located on the school grounds or near the school. Contact the local government if you need to ask for the location.
What Grades are Public “Gakudou” Available for?
“Gakudou” is generally available for elementary school age children up to 6th grade. You may want to check with the local government as some prioritize the needs of lower grades (up to 3rd grade) and the “gakudou” may not be available for children in 4th grade or older.
Do Public “Gakudou” Provide Meals?
Public “gakudou” provide snacks on weekdays. Make sure to have your child take lunch on the days when there is no school lunch, as “gakudou” do not provide lunch. “Gakudou” do not provide lunch during long breaks including summer break and spring break. Make sure your child takes their own lunch if you send them to “gakudou” during these breaks.
Is Public “Gakudou” Available During Long Breaks?
Public “gakudou” are available during long breaks including summer and spring break. The hours during these breaks are generally between 8 am and 6 pm, with the exception of Sundays, holidays, and end-of-year-and-new-year holidays (December 29th through January 3rd) when they are closed.
How Do You Apply to Use a Public “Gakudou”?
There is an application acceptance period in December of the prior year, for those who plan to start using “gakudou” at the beginning of the coming school year. The public “gakudou” can only be used after application documents for use are submitted and acceptance is given. If you plan to use the service in May or later, the application documents need to be submitted no later than 2 months before you start using it. You cannot start using it immediately after submitting the application. The application must be submitted directly to the “gakudou” you wish to use.
“Gakudou” is a place where parents can feel comfortable leaving their child when they cannot be home during the day. We hope you can make the best use of it for your child, according to their age and desire.
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The Japanese school year starts in April, after spring break, which starts at the end of March and lasts through early April. An entrance ceremony will be held for first grade students, but students who are in 2nd grade or older will attend an opening ceremony on the first day of school.
What Will Students Do on the First Day of School?
The first day of the school year normally ends after a half day. Please note that there is no school lunch on the first day. If there is a class change happening for your child’s grade, they will know their new class placements on the first day. There will be some informational talk given by a new homeroom teacher and new textbooks will be distributed. Students are expected to bring new textbooks and supplies home and put their name on each item.
What Needs to be Prepared for the New School Year?
Japanese elementary schools assign each student a number in class. Make sure to confirm the class and student number for your child, as these numbers are often required on paperwork you need to submit to school, or for personal verification. There will be handouts from school to check family situations and health conditions of the students. These are important documents that parents need to fill out and submit to school. Contact the school’s office if you have any questions about how to fill in these documents, and make sure to submit them.
Is There Anything Parents Need to Do for the New School Year?
There is a parent-teacher conference in April, where some information is given by your child’s homeroom teacher. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet each other. In addition, PTA role assignments happen at the conference. You may be assigned a role even if you are absent from the conference. Make sure to write your situation on the handout given prior to the conference if it will be difficult for you to play a role. It is recommended to attend the conference as meeting other parents in your child’s new class will help you communicate smoothly with other families, as well as understand what is happening at school.
The beginning of the school year is a busy period for parents, since they have to put their child’s name on each school supplies, and prepare all the paperwork to submit to school. Students may feel nervous about meeting new classmates, or the schoolwork becoming more difficult. It may be a good idea to try not to schedule too much for both yourself and your child at the beginning of the school year, so that you have time to spare and room to breathe.
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Most Japanese elementary schools rearrange students’ classes every year or every other year. Class shuffle is when students’ placement and homeroom teacher are rearranged for the new school year.
What is Class Shuffle for?
The purpose of class shuffle is to help students’ relationship reset and widen their perspectives. For example, if there is a conflict between students, the relationship can sometimes be improved by separating them into different classes in the next year. Another purpose of changing classes is to help balance academic abilities and personal qualities throughout the grade. Meeting new classmates is expected to help children‘s personal growth.
When Will You Know the New Class Placement?
Usually, new class placements are announced when students go to school on the first day of the school year. Some students may feel stressed to be separated from their familiar classmates and having to meet new classmates. Parents may want to give positive encouragement to their child, and pay attention to see if their child is struggling, instead of putting pressure on them to make new friends.
Can You Make a Request Regarding Class Change?
Make sure to talk to your child’s homeroom teacher if you have any concerns about what is going on in their current class or friendship. Although you cannot make a special request regarding the class change in general, you may be able to help the teacher be aware of any overlooked problems in their class. In addition, the teacher may be also able to give special attention to your child’s needs.
As mentioned earlier, the purpose of class change is to help children enjoy their school lives and help their positive growth. Although children may feel nervous at the beginning of the year, they usually adjust to the new class. We hope parents are able to enjoy watching their child work hard and grow.
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The purpose of this questionnaire survey is to improve the content of "Kotokoto", the information support service for families (parents/guardians and children) with foreign roots.
The survey is available in three different languages; "Easy Japanese", "English", and "Simplified Chinese", and it takes about 5 minutes.
We would like to hear your feedback on the service after using it.Your answers will be strictly managed and the result will never be used for other purposes.
The contents of individual answers and names will never be publicly released.Please feel free to give us your honest opinion.
"Kotokoto" looks forward to your feedback.
Click here to fill out the survey.
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The entrance ceremony takes place at the beginning of the Japanese school year, in April, when children start going to school as first graders. Below is information on what happens on the day of the entrance ceremony.
Parent(s) and Their Child Go to School Together on the Day of the Entrance Ceremony
Parent(s) and their child are expected to arrive at school together (according to the schedule) on the day of the entrance ceremony. Once you arrive at school, look for the check-in table and go through the procedures as needed. You will need to submit the enrolment notice for your child that should have been sent to you by post in advance, so be sure to bring it with you. Children will be escorted to their classroom by a teacher or senior student, while parents will be led to the gymnastic hall and seated at the designated area.
Ceremony Procedure
While the procedures of the entrance ceremony may vary depending on the school, the most common procedures are:
-Entry of the new first graders
-Opening remarks
-Principal’s speech
-Guest introductions
-PTA President’s speech
-Telegram readings
-Senior student’s speech
-Homeroom teacher introductions
-Singing of the school song
There will be a class photo shoot after the ceremony. Some schools have the parents be a part of the photo. Afterwards, parents and students move to the classroom where the homeroom teacher will deliver a greeting speech, and pass out textbooks and school supplies.
Including getting to and from the school, the entrance ceremony takes about two hours. Parents and students go home together afterwards. You may want to give yourself extra time in case you would like to take some commemorative photos in front of the school gates before or after the ceremony.
Manners for the Entrance Ceremony
Make sure to silence your cell phone so that you do not disturb your child’s commemorative ceremony and keep quiet while everyone, including the principal and other teachers, make speeches. You can be accompanied by your child’s pre-school aged siblings. Take a flexible approach in case they get fussy or bored during the ceremony. Avoid disturbing others when taking photos. Many schools don’t allow photos with children from other families to be posted in public including SNS, so please be cautious when dealing with photos.
As the first entrance ceremony experience may make you feel nervous, it is recommended to contact the school office in advance if you have any questions, so that you and your child can enjoy the start of their elementary school life.
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In Japan, a fellow mother who you met through your child is called “Mamatomo” (mom friend). How do you get to know each other? How do you interact with each other?
Where and How to Meet “Mamatomo”
There are several occasions to make “mamatomo”. You may meet some mothers at a neighborhood playground or children’s center while having your child play there, as well as at a kindergarten or nursing school when dropping off or picking up your child. As your child gets older and starts going to elementary school, your children may become friends with each other, which helps mothers meet.
Is Making “Mamatomo” expected?
Just because you became a mother doesn’t mean you have to make “mamatomo”. The relationship may be different from one you had in the past, as “mamatomo” friendship is through your children. There is no pressure to make “mamatomo”, but it may be nice to be friends with mothers who you get along with.
What are advantages of having “Mamatomo”?
As introduced in our other articles, Japanese schools have many school events, and there are many school supplies that children are expected to bring. There are also some parent-led activities, including PTA (Parent Teacher Association). You may get confused as there is lots of information to comprehend. Having “mamatomo” at your child’s school may help you confirm the information. They may also help you with parenting as your child goes through different stages.
Are There Any Relationship Troubles Among “Mamatomo”?
On the other hand, as “mamatomo” get to know each other through their children, there are occasional relationship troubles due to having different values on things like your child and family related issues. It is important for you to remember that a “mamatomo” relationship is often different from your other friendships, and different people have different perspectives about family matters and raising children. You may want to keep an appropriate distance at the beginning of your “mamatomo” relationship.
There are some people who become friends through their children and get to know each other through raising children, and eventually build a permanent friendship. It may be very reassuring to have other mothers at your back as you raise your child.
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In Japan, parents attend their child’s Entrance Ceremony and Graduation Ceremony. What kind of outfits can parents wear on these occasions? Below is some information for parents about what to wear and bring when attending the ceremonies.
No Dress Code in General
Although there is no dress code for parents attending their child’s entrance or graduation ceremony, formal attire is recommended, as it is one of your child’s celebratory occasions. In general, many parents wear suits to attend these ceremonies.Most parents try not to wear outstanding clothing (i.e. bright colors and/or designs) at these ceremonies.
Many fathers are seen in their dark colored suits, which could be what they wear for work. A nice shirt and jacket would be fine as well.
Many mothers are seen in their suits or dresses. You will see a ceremonial clothing section for mothers at shopping malls or department stores before the school entrance ceremonies. They are also available for purchase online if needed.
What to Bring When Attending the Ceremony
Both the entrance ceremony and graduation ceremony are often held at the school gymnastic hall and it is requested that parents take their shoes off to attend. Therefore, make sure to bring a bag to put your shoes in as well as your indoor shoes or slippers. Bringing a bag that is large enough to fit A4-sized or larger items may be helpful, as some informative material and/or paperwork are often handed out on the same day.