february
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In Japan, there is government support for single parents. The term “single parent” refers to a parent raising a child or children alone due to divorce or bereavement. Single parents and their children can receive various types of support from their local government, including medical care assistance, financial support, housing support, career-related support, and support for finding a place for children to be.
Steps To Take If You Become A Single Parent
When you become a single parent, visit the childcare support desk at your local government office to go through necessary procedures. Ask at the general counter at the government office if you are not sure where the childcare support desk is. Procedures for Childcare Allowance and Medical Expense Subsidies for Single Parent Households can be performed at the childcare support desk and documents required for each procedure are as follows:
There is more support available for single parent households, such as reduction and exemption of national health insurance premium, JR commuter pass special discount, reduction of income tax and resident tax, reduction and exemption of water and sewage charges. Go through the procedures as needed.
Various Types of Support For Single Parents
-Allowances
Until your child turns 15, you can receive Child Allowance in addition to Childcare Allowance and Medical Expenses Subsidies for Single Parent Households. If your child has a disability, additional support is also available, including Special Childcare Allowance, Child Fostering Allowance (Disability Allowance), Independence Support Medical Care Aid (Developmental Medical Care Aid), and Pediatric Psychiatric Medical Care Subsidy.
-Financial Support
Single parent deduction and widow deduction systems can lessen your tax burden. There are also financial aids and systems to help you reduce childcare related expenses for preschool aged children. In addition, JR commuter pass special discount, exemption of basic water charges, and exemption of oversized garbage collection fee are available.
Regarding child education, the following financial support is available: School Attendance Financial Aid System to help you reduce school expenses, Mother and Child Welfare Fund/Father and Child Welfare Fund which is a loan system for school expenses, and Scholarship Support System for higher education.
-Housing Support
Mother and Child Life Support Facilities are available for single mothers needing housing immediately after becoming a single parent. Other support includes Preferential Lottery System for Public Housing and/or Rent Discount System.
>-Childcare Support
Usage Fee Reduction Systems are available for nursery schools, after-school childcare, family support service by local government, and short stays at a child support facility.
-Employment Support
Financial aid and loans are available for single parents studying to obtain a national qualification or a professional qualification.
As support systems vary depending on the local government, you may want to check with the municipal office where you live to see what kind of support is available.
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In Japan, each local government has a Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System, which helps reduce medical expenses for children up to a certain age. When your child goes to the hospital, showing the medical certificate provided by the local government can help you reduce the medical costs. Below is more information about this subsidy system including how to obtain the medical certificate.
What Is The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System?
The purpose of the Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System is to create an environment where it is easier to have children, by reducing the financial burden on the families. Most local governments offer “Infants’ Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-nyu)” which applies to infants, and “School-aged Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-ko)” which applies to children enrolled in elementary school and junior high school. Some governments also offer “High School Age Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-a-o)” which applies to high school age children.
Who Is Eligible For The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System?
This subsidy system applies to families that have a resident registration with the local government and have public health insurance. The parent who is the main source of household income is eligible to receive the aid. The income limit for eligibility to receive the aid varies depending on the area.
How Much Can The Medical Expenses Be Reduced?
Reduction rates vary depending on the area. While medical expenses can become free in some areas, it may be only partially covered in other areas. Note that there are some expenses not covered by the subsidy system, including meal expenses during hospitalization, vaccination fees, and health examination costs. Check with your local government about copayment.
What Are The Necessary Procedures To Apply For The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy?
Application documents need to be submitted at the local government office in order to apply for the Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy. The child’s public health insurance card and the parent’s identification document (such as my number card, driver’s license, or passport) are required when submitting the application document. Infant medical certificates are valid until March 31st after the child turns 6 years old. The school-aged child medical certificate will replace the infant medical certificate starting April 1st. There is no need to apply for a replacement as the government will send you the school-aged child medical certificate at the end of March if applicable.
Children see doctors often and the medical costs can get high. Parents eligible for this subsidy system are encouraged to apply to receive the aid.
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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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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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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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Some Japanese families have photos taken to celebrate significant moments during their children’s growth. These include maternity photos, which are taken during the mother’s pregnancy, as well as newborn photos and birthday photos. Other occasions when photos are taken include the start and graduation of pre-school, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. It is also common to have photos taken at Shichi-go-san (seven-five-three ceremony).
Two Main Ways to Have Commemorative Photos Taken
Although there are many ways to have commemorative photos taken, here are two main ways. First is to use a photo studio specialized in taking commemorative photos. Second is to have a photography service come to your chosen location.
○Photo Studio
There are several types of photo studios. The ones that offer children’s commemorative photography also have rental costumes available. Each studio offers a different atmosphere for the photos. Some studios have elaborate shooting rooms and offer additional service, such as making key chains with the photos that were taken, and creating a special photo album.
(Reference)
Studio Alice https://www.studio-alice.co.jp/
Studio Mario https://www.studio-mario.jp/
○Photography Service at Your Chosen Location
This service offers photo shooting at a location that you chose. In this case, costume preparation/rental is not included. This way, you will get unique photos that are different from anyone else’s.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost for photos taken at a photo studio may include costumes and hair makeup, and it may be the case that the customers can choose which photos to purchase after the photo shoot. The total cost will depend on the number of the photos ordered. For photography services that are performed at your chosen location, costume and hair makeup are done separately, either on your own or by hired specialists. The cost is predetermined and invoiced together with photographer’s travel expenses. Both services are estimated to cost around 20,000 to 60,000 yen. Make sure to confirm what is included in the cost when making a reservation. Check for discount coupons or a special discount period.
What are Suitable Outfits for Photoshoots?
Many children wear a kimono or dress for Shichi-go-san (seven-five-three ceremony). For the start of school or graduation, ceremonial outfits or school uniforms are common, as well as wearing randoseru (school backpack) and school hats. Family members including parents, brothers and sisters are often photographed together. Check with the photo studio to see if rental outfits are available for family members who need it.
Which Photo Studio Should You Choose?
There are many different photo studios depending on the region, from major studios specialized in children’s commemorative photos, to personal photo studios. The photoshoot location, atmosphere, service content and price vary between studios. You can research online or ask other parents around for details. Do not hesitate to ask the studio if you have any questions.
Taking photos by yourselves at a commemorative location on your own is another great way, aside from hiring a professional, to capture special moments in your child’s growth so that you can look back on them in the future.
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Each Japanese school has a social educational association called PTA, which is an abbreviation of Parent-Teacher Association, consisting of both parents and teachers. PTA is an organization where parents and educators cooperate to learn and share knowledge with each other for the purpose of promoting the positive growth of children. Below is information on how PTA works.
PTA Participation is Voluntary
PTA participation is open to parents. Children are not eligible to become members and are the people supported by its activities. Parents do not have to become a member of PTA, even if their child is enrolled in school. Participation is completely voluntary. Its activities are for the purpose of promoting positive growth of children, and conducted by volunteers. The annual membership fee is 3,000 to 5,000 yen. Note that the membership fee is often collected in cash rather than automatic withdrawal from your bank account, as PTA is an organization independent from school.
What Kind of Activities Does PTA Carry Out? What Kind of Roles are there?
PTA activities vary between schools. There are committees responsible for the different roles. Here are the main committee names and activity details:
・Class Committee: bring parents in class together, hold events by grade, coordinate with teachers
・Public Relations Committee: public relations activities for school, create a school newspaper or booklet a few times a year
・Parent Education Committee: plan and execute workshops or lectures for parents
・Bellmark Committee: collect tokens from product packaging and exchange for essential supplies
・Board Member Selection Committee: Select PTA board members and/or executive board members for the following fiscal year
Other possible roles:
・Provide help for school events such as sports day and exhibition
・Manage and help school bazaar and/or community festivals
・Conduct community patrol
Who Plays Which Role?
PTA role assignment is done in spring of every year. Pay attention to the handout with activity details, provided around that time. Parents meet at school to discuss and decide who will play each role. It is often the case that PTA has a rule that members must play some kind of role at least once while their child is enrolled in the school, or once a year. Once a member accepts to play a role, they are expected to play the role for a year, cooperating with parents from other classes and/or other grades. All activities are run by volunteers.
What is the Role of the Executive Board Members?
The name of the role varies depending on the school, like PTA board member or PTA executive board member, and their role is to bring the entire school together. The executive board members often include PTA president, PTA vice president, secretary, treasurer, and financial audit. Some may nominate themselves, the others may be nominated by others. PTA board members/executive board members are selected in advance, around the fall and winter before the beginning of the school year.
When and How Do PTA Activities Happen?
The length of the activity varies depending on the school and role. Parents normally meet to discuss activity details at school after school hours, either during the week or Saturday mornings. In recent years, online meetings or information sharing using social network systems have become common.
Do You Have to Join PTA?
It is usual for a PTA member to play some kind of role while their child is enrolled in school. Some parents put off becoming a member, considering their child’s age, as it may be difficult to participate in the meetings and activities with small children. Some parents of 6th grade students avoid role assignment, as there are many events happening for their child before graduation.
Special consideration may be given to parents with foreign roots, as information for PTA activities are often provided in documents. If you have questions, do not hesitate to consult with school staff.
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Japanese children occasionally do “naraigoto” (after school activities) outside of school. There are various after school activity options, including sports practices, music lessons, and schoolwork related classes. Below you can find information on where and how children participate in after school activities.
Why Do Children Participate in After School Activities?
After school activities provide children with opportunities to learn what they cannot learn at school. Parents of younger children choose the activities that will help their children to experience different things, as well as to nurture their mind and body. As they get older, some children choose what they’d like to try depending on their interests. There are also some children taking private tutoring classes to support their schoolwork at any age.
What are the Advantages of Doing After School Activities?
One of the many advantages of doing after school activities is that children are able to make friends outside of school, and another is that they are exposed to diverse values. They also learn to follow rules and routines, such as being on time and managing their belongings. Learning and acquiring new skills or knowledge would help them gain self-confidence. Physical activities can help your child build a strong body, and support mental growth through being praised or encouraged. All these lead to children’s physical and personal growth.
On the other hand, cost and time may become a problem. These activities happen after school hours on weekdays or on weekends. Parents may need to drop off and pick up their child, or help out with their activities, like supporting the instructor, preparing for a performance event, or accompanying their group. Costs will vary depending on the activity, ranging from a couple of thousand yen to tens of thousands of yen per month. In general, many activities fall into the range of 5,000 – 10,000 yen per month. Each family should choose the activities based on their child’s age, how many children they have, and their financial situation.
What Kind of After School Activities are Available?
There are mainly three different types of activities: sports, arts, and academics.
- Sport Practices/Classes
Baseball, soccer, basketball, gymnastics, dance, ballet, martial arts (judo, karate, kendo, etc.)
- Art Lessons/Classes
Piano, violin, painting, crafts, calligraphy
- Academic Lessons/Classes
English conversation, online classes/private tutoring classes, programing/robotics classes
There are also some experience-based learning activities available, such as boy scouts and girl scouts.
How to Choose the Activity for Your Child
There are many different types of after school activities available, including some that are unique to your region. Available activities can be found online and on bulletin boards at school, community bulletin boards, and at public spaces like super markets. Getting information from your child’s classmates and their parents may be helpful.
Cost and time vary depending on the activity. There is no need to force your child to do afterschool activities. Choose the ones that fit your child’s interests and personal characteristics, as well as your family circumstances.
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Students eat school lunch in the class room at Japanese elementary schools. There may be times when students individually bring homemade bento on special occasions such as Field trips/Excursions and Sports day. What kind of bento do Japanese families prepare? Below is some information about typical bento and where to find some items for packing bento.
What Kind of Bento Do Students Bring to School?
A typical Japanese bento has rice, a main dish, and side dishes. Rice is sometimes formed into onigiri (rice balls in triangular or bale shapes that may contain different fillings or wrapped with seaweed). This type of bento provides your child with nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, and minerals. Fruits are often included as desserts. Besides rice, sandwiches or noodles are also common in bento.
Bento is normally eaten cold, so it is made with the foods that taste good when eaten cold. It is important to heat the ingredients well and let it cool down before packing the bento to prevent food poisoning. Food that will spoil easily including raw food should not be used for bento.
Notes about Bento for Elementary Schools
Be aware that snacks such as packed juice, jelly, potato chips, and crackers are not allowed to be included in bento for school.
What is “Kyaraben”?
“Kyaraben” comes from character (kyara) and bento (ben), and is unique to Japanese culture. It is a type of bento containing food decorated to look like cute characters (from anime, etc.). There are various recipes for “kyaraben” available on the internet. Although “kyaraben” is a fun to look at, there are some concerns about it, including sanitary concern, due to its materials being touched by hands a lot during preparation. It is also time consuming to prepare. It is not necessary to make it.
How Do You Bring Bento to School? Where Can You Buy Bento Items?
Bento is prepared in a bento box to take to school. It is common to use a reusable bento box made of plastic, aluminum, wood, or bamboo. These reusable bento boxes can be found at 100-yen stores like DAISO, shopping malls like AEON, or online stores (Amazon, Yahoo! and Rakuten).
The other bento items such as divider cups and food picks to use in bento boxes are also available at 100-yen stores like DAISO and supermarkets.
Utensil sets including chopsticks and forks can also be found at these stores, as well as hand towels and bento carrying bags. Shop according to your needs.
The information above is based on the typical bento prepared in Japan. What matters most is to make a bento that your child enjoys, and that it can be prepared without taking too much effort, like by using leftovers.