Japanese Events
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Each Japanese local government has a consultation service available for single parents. Those who are going to get divorced and become single parents are eligible to receive this service in addition to those who are already single parents. Specialists called “single parent household consultants” are available to give you advice at the government’s consultation service counter.
Contents Of Consultation
You can talk about anything to the consultant at the consultation service counter, including your daily life, work, raising children and their education. Some governments provide support for child support payment. Do not hesitate to talk about anything that you feel concerned or anxious about, even if it may seem insignificant.
Various Way To Use The Consultation Service
Many local governments offer this consultation service by phone, email, and online, in addition to in-person consultation at the office. Some governments also offer home-visiting consultation services if you are having difficulty visiting the office because of your child’s age or any other circumstances. Consider using this service if you are not able to visit the office but would like to have an in-person consultation. Check with the government office in your area for availability.
Cost and Reservations for The Consultation Service
All local governments offer free consultation services. To make a reservation, look for the information regarding single parent support under parenting-related information on the government’s website. The reservations are usually available by phone or email.
Single parents sometimes have no one to talk to and struggle. Consider using this government service to take some weight off your shoulders.
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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 same randoseru (school bag) is normally used throughout your child’s 6 years of elementary school. Parents often wonder which one to choose and where to buy one. It can be purchased at a physical store or ordered online. Below are more details on how to buy a randoseru in Japan.
Randoseru can be Purchased at a Physical Store or an Online Store
There are two general ways to shop randosedru, at physical stores or online stores, and each provides you with some options of where to purchase.
◯ Physical Stores
There are some advantages of purchasing randoseru at a physical store. It allows you to see and feel the actual one and have your child try it on. You can also ask questions to the store clerk which may help you feel more comfortable about your decision. The disadvantages of purchasing it at a physical store are that the number of products is limited and that the price may be slightly more expensive. Children’s requests tend to be fulfilled more than the parents’ opinion in this case.
・Manufacturer’s Retail Store
Randoseru can be purchased at retail stores directly run by a manufacturer. This is recommended if you have a specific brand in mind. You can take detailed advice from specialists and your child can try on some different options.
・Department Stores and Mass Retailers
Department stores have some randoseru with limited-edition designs or brands available. Mass retailers also have some products with limited-edition designs. Products of various brands are available at both types of stores and your child can try some on. Please note that the randoseru section may only be open for a limited time.
Randoseru may also be available at some other stores such as luggage stores, furniture stores, and home improvement stores.
○Online Shops
The internet offers various options for shopping, such as manufacturers’ official online stores, Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo!, and other major online stores. These options allow you to easily compare different products and search within your preferred price range. Being able to order the newest design immediately is one of the advantages of shopping online. In addition, the old designs from the previous year and products on sale can be purchased at comparatively reasonable prices. On the other hand, the usability and size cannot be checked until the actual product is delivered.
・Manufacturers’ Official Online Stores
Details of the products can be confirmed by shopping at the manufacturers’ official online stores. Online store exclusive discounts and/or outlet products may be available. Above all, using the manufacturers’ official online stores secures you against purchasing a fake product.
・Major Online Stores
Using major online stores such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Yahoo! gives you the opportunity to compare between various products. It is recommended especially when you wish to set your own budget. It is often the case that repair services and problem handling are not provided through major online stores. Make sure to confirm that the store’s conditions suit your expectations before placing an order.
When to Purchase Randoseru
The manufacturers release new designs starting in January of the year prior to entering school and they can be checked out at manufacturers’ retail stores or official online stores. Pre-ordering reaches its peak around the Golden Week Holidays in May and popular ones start going out of stock. Discount offers start around December. Randoseru can be purchased any time before the entrance ceremony unless you are particular about the design.
Shopping at Second-Hand Stores to Keep the Cost Down
Check out the second-hand stores if you are not particular about the design and wish to keep the cost down. Randoseru may be available at a very low price. Check the condition well before purchasing as it could have been used for a full six years.
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Valentine’s Day originates from a Christian tradition, when they celebrate love among couples. In Japan we give chocolates or other gifts to our significant other, friends, or sometimes to the people we are thankful to at work.
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Risshun is the first day of spring. It is around 4th of February. It was thought to be the beginning of a year in old Japan.
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Setsubun literally means the change of the season and refersto the beginning of spring and falls on 3rd of February every year. We pray for the health by throwing roasted soya beans, saying “Oni wa soto, fuku wa uchi! (Out with the demons! In with good fortune!)” Sometimes we wear a mask of oni (a devil) and throw the beans at other people. Ehomaki is often enjoyed.
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On the Coming-of-Age Day, which falls on the second week of January every year, we celebrate our children who become adults. They wear Furisode Kimonos of formal suits and take pictures. A ceremony is held in the local area. In Japan reaching 18 years old is regarded as an adult. However, one can only start to drink or smoke from 20 years old onwards.
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The dondo yaki is held on 15th January. The decorations are gathered for a bonfire to send back to the gods.
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On the Kagami biraki day, 11th of January, we eat decorated rice cake for New Year’s Day. By so doing, we pray for the family health.
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On the 1st of January, New Year’s Day, the Shinto gods are welcomed at home. Kadomatsu pine trees,Shimenawa, kagami mochi are used as decoration at home. Osechi dishes and/or ozoni are served. Children are given otoshidama. There is a custom where people go to a shinto shrine or a temple New Year’s Day to pray to the Shinto gods. It is also a time for family to get together.