february
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In preparation
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Children’s school lives at elementary school are very different from kindergarten or nursery school. Parents roles also change; Although they do not need to pick up and drop off children at school, they can help their children by checking their belongings, helping them with homework, etc. How children will spend their time after coming home may need to be more structured. Especially for children with foreign roots, it may take some time to understand language and adapt to customs. Here is some support available for children with foreign roots entering elementary school:
School Life of Children in First Grade of Elementary School
◯Class Content:
Classes in first grade are focused on learning the basics, such as reading, writing and arithmetic. There are also experiential learning classes including physical education and music. In addition, there are school events like student presentations and sports meetings where students can demonstrate what they have learned.
◯School Life:
There is a fixed daily schedule for classes and breaks at school. The schedule includes lunch time and cleaning time. As children have more opportunities to work together at elementary school, they need to learn how to interact with friends and understand the rules.
◯Homework:
In general, children in first grade do not seem to have that much homework. However, there is some homework that requires parental confirmation, such as reading aloud and arithmetic calculations.
Roles of Parents of Children in First Grade
Once children start elementary school, the daily routine of parents also changes. Parents’ roles include watching over their child as they get used to their school life, supporting them with their homework and learning, and supporting school events by preparing or participating. Children go home on their own after school. The time they get home varies depending on the child and the day. Children go home before lunch time on the days when school lunches are not provided. Working parents need to decide if their child goes to an after-school care program or, if not, how their child spends time after getting home from school.
Support Available for Children With Foreign Roots
When children with foreign roots enter Japanese elementary school, language and cultural differences must be taken into consideration. Children whose native language is not Japanese may have difficulty understanding class content or communicating with friends. They also need to adapt to cultural differences such as etiquette and customs. Parents/guardians need to understand the Japanese education system. Look below to see what kind of support is available when facing these challenges:
◯School Support:
At public elementary schools, Japanese-language education support (and possibly interpretation services), are available for children/guardians with foreign roots, depending on the case. You can contact the school counselor if assistance is needed.
◯Community Support:
Your local international exchange center and community volunteers may provide language support to families with foreign roots as well as hold cultural exchange events.
Multicultural Coexistence Support Organizations in Tokyo:
◯Online Communities:
There are some websites and online communities that provide useful information and advice on learning the Japanese language and adapting to school life for children and their families with foreign roots.
If there are any concerns about your child’s new school life, contact the Child Care Support Division at your local government office or the school that your child is planning to join, so that you can receive necessary support or introductions to support providers.
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Multicultural Coexistence means that people of different nationalities and ethnicities recognize each other’s cultural differences, and live together as members of a community while trying to establish an equal relationship, according to the report by the Council for the Promotion of Multicultural Coexistence, Ministry of International Affairs and Communications. Here are some different types of support available for foreign residents in Japan:
International Exchange Associations in Tokyo
International Exchange Associations have been established to promote interactions between foreign residents and Japanese residents in an area. Services include cultural exchange and living support:
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “Tsunagari”:
Chuo Cultural and International Exchange Association:
Minato International Association:
Shinjuku Foundation for Creation of Future:
Shinagawa-ku International Friendship Association:
Meguro International Friendship Association:
Global City Ota Coorperation Association: https://www.ota-goca.or.jp/Setagaya Intercultural Center:
Association for Nakano International Communications:
Suginami Association for Cultural Exchange:
Arakawa International Communications:
Itabashi Culture and International Exchange Foundation:
NPO Hachioji International Association:
Musashino International Association:
Mitaka International Society for HOsPitality:
Chofu International Friendship Association:
Machida Cultural and International Exchange Foundation/Machida International Center:
Kodaira International Friendship Association:
Hino City International Friendship Association:
Higashimurayama City International Friendship Association:
Kokubunji International Association:
Komae International Friendship Association:
Tama City International Center:
Foreign Residents Support Groups/International Exchange Organizations in Tokyo
The non-profit organization, Kidsdoor, operates the information service, Kotokoto, as well as the Kidsdoor International Communication Center (KICC). KICC provides support to families with foreign roots. The support includes food pantry, cooking exchange, and educational support. Here are the lists of organizations in Tokyo that provide support to foreigners and promote international exchange, including living support and learning of Japanese language:
◯Tokyo:
International Society of Educational and Culture Exchange:
Akabane Japanese Language Class:
Citizen’s Meeting to Interact with Asia (Asia no Kai):
Asian People’s Friendship Society:
AMDA Medical Information Center:
Our Foreign Neighbors We Care:
Kids International Village (KIV):
Koganei International Support Service Association (KISSA):
Citizen’s Network for Global Activities:
International Foreign Students Association:
Ring of National Anthem Association (Kokkanowa):
Support 21 Social Welfare Foundation:
Services for the Health in Asian & African Regions (SHARE):
The Support and Communications Centers for People Returning from China:
Children Meet Countries (CMC):
Club of Children and Students working together for multicultural society (CCS):
Sports Camp of America (SCOA):
Youth Support Center YSC Global School:
Tokyo English Life Line (TELL):
Tokyo Nihongo Volunteer Network:
The Young Women’s Christian Association of Tokyo:
NICE (Never-ending International workCamps Exchange):
International Social Service JAPAN:
Hachioji International Friendship Club:
Easy Communication Association:
Labo International Exchange Foundation:
HATI JAPAN – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Child Development Support:
Nonprofit Organization Association Japan-Peru for Integration (AJAPE):
Japan Islamic Trust Masjid (Mosque) Otsuka:
◯in 23 wards:
Japan Intercultural Intelligence (JII):
Cross-cultural Exchange Edogawa Homestay Club:
NPO International Association KOTO:
GCI Global Community Interaction:
Volunteer Japanese Class “MeiMei”:
◯Adachi ward:
Kidsdoor International Communication Center (KICC):
International Association KOTO:
Volunteer Japanese Class “MeiMei”:
Japanese Language Class “Nakayoshi”:>
Japanese Language Circle “Kurihara”:
◯Arakawa ward
◯Itabashi ward:
Akatsuka Japanese Language Class:
The Global Organization of Dreamers (Good!):
Asian Community Takashimadaira:
◯Inagi city:
Inagi International Friendship Club:
◯Edogawa ward:
Cross-cultural Exchange Edogawa Homestay Club:
NPO International Association KOTO:
International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange:
Japan Islamic Trust – International Islamic School Otsuka:
◯Ota ward:
Interact with Community (IWC) – Kokusaishimin no kai:
Edo Kai - English Conversation Club from OTA:
Ota Citizens’ Network for Peoples’ Togetherness (OCNet):
◯Katsushika ward:
International Association KOTO:
◯Kita ward:
Akabane Japanese Language Class:
◯Kunitachi City:
Kunitachi International Friendship Association WING:
KUNIBO (Kunitachi Disaster Risk Management for Diverse Residents):
◯Koto ward:
International Association KOTO:
International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange ISECE:
Sports Camp of America (SCOA):
◯Koganei City:
Koganei International Support Service Association (KISSA):
Koganei-shi Seikatsu Japanese Language Class:
◯Kokubunji city:
Japanese Language Class (Atsumare Nihongo Hiroba):
◯Kodaira City:
Japanese Language Class (Atsumare Nihongo Hiroba):
◯Shinagawa ward:
Club for Children and Students Working Together for Multicultural Society (CCS):
NPO Interact with Community (IWC):
Support 21 – Social Welfare Foundation:
◯Shibuya ward:
Kids International Village Japan (KIV):
Sports Camp of America (SCOA):
◯Shinjuku ward:
International Education Center (IEC):
International Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE Japan):
Shanti Volunteer Association (SVA):
Waseda Hoshien Japanese Volunteer Circle:
Shapla Neer (Citizen’s Committee in Japan for Overseas Support):
◯Suginami ward:
Kids International Village Japan:
◯Sumida ward:
International Association KOTO:
Sumida Japanese Language Education Support:
◯Setagaya ward:
International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange (ISECE):
Caring for the Future Foundation Japan (CFF):
◯Taito ward:
Refugee Empowerment Network (REN):
◯Tachikawa city:
Atsumare Nihongo Hiroba (Japanese Language Class):
Tachikawa International Friendship Association (TIFA):
◯Chuo ward:
Partners of NIHONGO Communication:
◯Chofu city:
Partnership with International Neighbors and Tomodachi (Pinatto):
◯Chofu city:
International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange (ISECE):
◯Toshima ward:
International Youth Association of Japan K.S.K.K.:
Toshima Kodomo Gakushu Shien Network (Tokonet):
Japan Islamic Trust – International Islamic School Otsuka:
◯Nakano ward:
HATI JAPAN – Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Child Development Support:
◯Nishitokyo city:
Nishitokyo Multicultural and Internatiopnal Center (NMIC):
Nishitokyo Nihongo Class (Ninicl):
◯Nerima ward:
Kasugacho Beginner’s Japanese Class:
◯Hachioji city:
Club of Children and Students working together for multicultural society (CCS):
Kokohana Yasashii Nihongo Hachioji:
◯Higashikurume city:
Higashikurume International Friendship Club:
◯Higashimurayama city:
Higashimurayama City Japan-China Friendship Association:
Higashimurayama Global Citizen’s Club:
◯Higashiyamato city:
Japanese Language Class (Atsumare Nihongo Hiroba):
◯Hino city:
◯Fuchu city:
Fuchu Multicultural Center DIVE:
◯Bunkyo ward:
The Asian Students Cultural Association (ASCA):
Japan-China Friendship Center:
Bunkyo Multilingual Support Network:
◯Machida city:
Machida International Friendship Association (MIFA):
Nonprofit Organization Association Japan-Peru for Integration (AJAPE):
◯Mitaka city
Partnership with International Neighbors and Tomodachi (Pinatto):
◯Minato ward:
International Society of Educational and Cultural Exchange (ISECE):
Tamachi Nihongo Club & Circle:
The Archives of the World Languages:
◯Musashino city:
Partnership with International Neighbors and Tomodachi (Pinatto):
Musashino-Romania Brasov Friendship Citizen’s Association:
◯Musashimurayama city:
Atsumare Nihongo (Japanese Language Class):
◯Meguro ward:
Refugee Empowerment Network (REN):
The Archives of the World Languages:
Multilingual Picture Book Blub RAINBOW:
◯Tama area:
Atsumare Nihongo (Japanese Language Class):
Kokohana Yasashii Nihongo Hachioji:
Nonprofit Organization Association Japan-Peru for Integration (AJAPE):
Reference source: Tokyo Intercultural Portal Site
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In Japan, various organizations run food pantry programs which offer food to those in need. Their food is donated by companies, organizations, etc. It is intended mainly for households with children and single-mother households, and anyone can use it when they are in need of food.
What Is a Food Pantry?
A food pantry is a program that distributes food to people who have difficulty purchasing it. Food is donated by companies, organizations and individuals. Companies donate their food without quality problems that were not consumed and would have been disposed. Therefore, food pantries also play a role in eliminating food waste. Although who can use the food pantries depends on the regulations of the operating organization, the program often targets people in households that are having difficulty purchasing food or households with children.
Where Is the Food Distributed?
The way food is distributed varies depending on the organization that runs the food pantry program. In many cases, it is handed over at the distribution site. Distributed items are mainly items that can be stored at room temperature, including rice, retort food and snacks.
Where Are Food Pantries Located?
There are food pantries in various locations across the country. Search “(name of the area you live in) + food pantry” on the internet to learn about initiatives in your area. Check the dates and times and user instructions on each organization’s homepage and contact them if you wish to use their service.
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There are certain procedures that need to be followed when transferring from one public elementary school to another school due to moving. School transfer, “tenkou” in Japanese, means to change schools. Procedures are different depending on whether or not the transfer happens within the same local government area or between different areas. Parents may want to start preparations early rather than just before moving to make sure you have enough time to complete the necessary procedures.
Necessary Documents and Procedures for School Transfers
School transfer procedures are different depending on if the new school is within the same local government area as the previous one or in another area. School administration procedures, such as document preparations, are required. Make sure to notify your child’s school once you decide to move.
◯If the school transfer is within the same local government area:
1. Notify the current school:
Notify your child’s current school that you are moving. The school will issue documents such as “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” and “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, which need to be submitted to the new school. Store them in a secure place and be sure not to lose them.
2. Notify the new school:
Public schools assign students based on their residential address. Check for your child’s new school based on your new address. Ask at your local government office if you do not know which will be your child’s new school.
Reference: “School Choice System” Which Offers Choices of Schools You Can Attend
3. Submit “tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” at your local government office:
“Tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” (which is available for you to fill in at the local government office) and “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” need to be submitted at your local government office. Then they will issue a “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” which will need to be submitted to your child’s new school. Be sure not to lose it.
4. Follow the necessary procedures at your child’s new school:
Submit “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)”, “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, and “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” to your child’s new school and follow the necessary procedures to complete the school transfer process.
◯If the school transfer is to a different local government area:
1. Notify the current school:
Notify your child’s current school that you are moving. The school will issue documents such as “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” and “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, which need to be submitted to the new school. Store them in a secure place and be sure not to lose them.
2. Notify the board of education in the area you are moving to:
Notify the board of education in the area you are moving to and check your child’s new school. Contact the local government office in the area you are moving to for the contact information of the board of education.
3. Notify the new school:
Notify your child’s new school.
4. Submit “tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” at your new local government office:
“Tenkyotodoke (Notification of Change of Address)” (which is available for you to fill in at the local government office) and “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)” need to be submitted at your local government office. Then they will issue a “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” which will need to be submitted to your child’s new school. Be sure not to lose it.
5. Follow the necessary procedures at your child’s new school:
Submit “zaigaku shoumeisho (Certificate of Student Enrollment)”, “kyokayou tosho kyuuyo shoumeisho (a form showing proof that the student has received textbooks)”, and “tennyuugaku tsuuchisho (Transfer Notification Form)” to your child’s new school and follow the necessary procedures to complete the school transfer process.
Preparation for School Transfer
Check what your child needs to bring to the new school and prepare it early if there is something missing. Some schools may give instructions that you do not have to buy new supplies designated by the new school, such as gym clothes and indoor shoes. Ask teachers and staff at your child’s new school if you have any questions. Say goodbye to teachers and school friends on the last day that your child attends school before moving.
There are many steps to follow for school transfer procedures. Ask at your child’s school or local government office if you have any questions, and make sure you have plenty of time to complete the necessary steps.
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School refusal is a situation where children refuse to go to school and miss school more than 30 days a year for reasons other than illness or economic reasons. According to the 2023 report by the Education Ministry, the number of elementary and middle school children refusing to go to school was 299,084, which is an increase of 22.1% from the previous year and the highest ever. How should families respond at home if a child refuses to go to school?
Reasons for School Refusal
There are several different reasons for children’s refusal to go to school. One of the reasons is that there is a problem at school, which include relationships with friends and teachers not going well, being unable to keep up with classes, and club or extracurricular activities not going well. In some cases, bullying may be the cause
Another reason is that there is a problem at home. The problem may be a major change in the family environment, relationships with parents not going well, or family relationships not going well.
It might also be linked to some other reasons; not feeling like going to school without any specific cause, developmental disorders and neurosis, and orthostatic dysregulation (OD), a common disease in children around puberty that causes various symptoms including difficulty waking up in the morning. Some children may have multiple reasons.
How to Respond if Your Child Refuses to Go to School
If your child refuses to go to school, let them talk about their concerns or fears. Make sure to listen to them rather than stressing your expectations on them, getting angry or scolding. Children that refuse to go to school may have decreased self-esteem for some reason and feel like they do not fit in at school. Parents should approach a child refusing to go to school in a way that they can feel like they have a place at home, instead of feeling like they will get in trouble. Furthermore, consult with specialists or support organizations as well as the child’s school.
Places Where You Can Consult About Your Child’s School Refusal
You can consult with teachers or counselors at your child’s school. If it cannot be resolved by that, you can also consult with your local government office, such as the educational consultation center, the children and families agency, and the child consultation center and public health center. They can introduce you to the local government’s approach and support details as well as NPOs (Non-profit organizations) providing support.
These support centers are available for consultation by the person experiencing social withdrawal or their families. They provide support in collaboration with related organizations as necessary.
-Child Development Support Center
Development support centers are available for consultation regarding developmental disorders and provide support in collaboration with related organizations as necessary.
It is important that school refusal problems are not kept only within the family. Use support services available. A child’s school refusal can be very stressful for parents as well. Children will always mature. Parents should believe in their children and patiently support them while doing what they can to support them.
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Children’s cafeteria, (“kodomo-shokudou” in Japanese), are places that children can visit on their own to eat. Their meals are provided for free or at a low price.
What Are Kodomo-Shokudou Like?
Kodomo-shokudou are led by local volunteers and/or local governments and provide free or inexpensive meals to children in the community. Children can use this service on their own. The purpose of kodomo-shokudou is to help all children to get enough nutrition through their meals, as well as to provide a place where they can be supported by their community instead of staying home alone. In some communities, kodomo-shokudou also provide services that support families with foreign roots, including Japanese language classes.
Who Can Use Kodomo-Shokudou?
Kodomo-shokudou are available to children living in the community and their guardians. Some kodomo-shokudou may have different fees for children and adults. There are also some communities that offer the services for adults living in the community even if they have no children.
Where Are Kodomo-Shokudou Located?
Kodomo-shokudou are located in many different locations. Check your local government’s website to find the information. There is also a website where you can search for a kodomo-shokudou in your area:
Gaccom x Musubie Kodomo-Shokudou MAP
Kodomo-shokudou are also places where children can get to know people in their community. It may be a good idea to try using the service with your children if there is one in the community where you live.
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"Kotokoto", the information support service for families with foreign roots, now has accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow us:
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Libraries are places where a lot of resources are kept, including books, newspapers, magazines, CD’s and DVD’s. Most areas in Japan have a library that anyone can use for free. You can do research with the resources you find. There are many events held at the library, such as story time for children, and study sessions for adults.
How Do You Use The Library?
Public libraries can be used by anyone, and most resources can be checked out. However, the ability to check out books is limited to those who live, go to school, or work in that area. To be able to check out books, you need a library card, which you can get at the front desk. Some form of identification that shows your address will be required to apply for a library card.
When Is the Library Open?
In most cases, public libraries are open 10:00 – 18:00, Tuesday through Sunday. You might be able to return the book you checked out by dropping it off at the dedicated return window, even if the library is closed. Check with the library to see if such a system exists. Libraries are closed on Mondays and New Year’s holidays.
How Can You Find the Book You Want to Read?
If there is a book you would like to read, you can search for it on the library’s website or by using the dedicated device in the library. You can also put a book on hold online. In addition, some libraries give book recommendations according to the season and theme.
Libraries also have children’s books and picture-story materials available. It may be fun to visit a library with your child.
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In Japan, some children’s medical expenses are refundable. If your child does not have the “medical certificate issued under children’s medical expenses subsidy system, maru-nyu, maru-ko, or maru-a-o”, apply for it before claiming a refund.
Reimbursement can be claimed when your child goes to see a doctor outside the area where you live, or when you pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment without presenting your child’s medical certificate. Whether standard meal cost for hospitalization is eligible for a refund or not varies by local government.
Examples of Medical Expenses That Can Be Refunded (Claimed for Refund)
1. If you visit a medical institution outside Tokyo, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
2. If you visit a medical institution that does not handle medical certificates, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
3. If you visit a doctor without a medical certificate, and pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
4. If your child’s registration for National Health Insurance/National Health Insurance Association is outside Tokyo, and you pay the co-payment for health insurance treatment
5. If you visit a doctor without your child’s health insurance card, and there is coverage from the health insurance
6. If you purchase an assistive device (glasses for pediatric amblyopia, corset, insoles/sole braces, etc.), and there is coverage from the health insurance
7. If you receive treatment abroad, and there is coverage from the health insurance
Eligible medical expenses are the co-payment amount for health insurance treatment. Medical treatment not covered by health insurance (free medical treatment) is not subsidized.
Examples of Non-eligible Medical Expenses
Some medical expenses are not covered by the subsidy.
-Expenses for dietary treatment for inpatients (for maru-nyu)
-Expenses not covered by health insurance
(vaccination, health check, extra bed charge, medicine container fee, first visit fee for large hospitals without a referral letter from another medical institution, etc.)
-Expenses for treatment covered by Japan Sport Council Injury and Accident Mutual Aid Benefit System
-High-cost medical expenses and additional benefits, paid by health insurance
-Medical expenses in case of injury due to the actions of a third party, such as a traffic accident
-Medical expenses applicable to the other publicly-funded subsidies
What You Need for Your Application
When applying for medical expense subsidies, you will need the following materials:
-Child medical subsidy payment application form
-Receipt (original)
* with patient’s name, insurance score, date of medical treatment, medical institution name, receipt amount (if these items are not listed, have it filled out at the medical institution where you had a medical examination). You can also apply with a copy of the receipt, only if the original was submitted for health insurance procedures.
-Copy of identity verification documents with a photo of the guardian listed on the medical certificate (driver’s license, my number card, etc.)
-Copy of child health insurance card
* when applying for the first time or when there are changes from previous applications.
-Copy of passbook or cash card of your banking facility
* when applying for the first time or when there are changes from previous applications.
** parent’s name listed on the medical certificate. Payment will not be made to an account other than the parent’s account listed on the medical certificate.
-Payment decision notice from health insurance (only those who are applicable to item 5, 6 or 7 above. Original required if applicable)
-Copy of credit limit certificate (if applicable)
-Copy of recipient certificate for pediatric chronic specified disease medical expenses subsidy/monthly management slip (if applicable)
There may be other items required if you fall under 5, 6 or 7 of “Example of Medical Expenses That Can Be Refunded (Claimed for Refund)”. Check with your local government office.
High-cost medical expenses payment decision notice is only required for those who are members of the National Health Insurance or National Health Insurance Association, and have a receipt corresponding to high-cost medical expenses. High-cost medical expenses complies with regulations when medical expenses for National Health Insurance benefits become high (High-cost medical care benefit payment decision notification is not required, if you are a member of a social insurance/mutual aid association)
A qualified recipient can make a refund claim for multiple receipts, which may include receipts from different medical facilities or receipts for different months.
Note that claims for more than one child need to be made separately. Claim deadline is 5 years from the day after the day of medical payment.
Claim Application Location and Refund Money Transfer
Applications should be made at the local government office in the area where you live. If there are no defects in the application, the refund will be made to the designated account. Although the procedure may seem time consuming, be sure to apply if you are eligible.