外国にルーツを持つ子どもの教育支援 「ことこと」

The Japanese School System

In preparation

Child Allowance: Tokyo “018 (Zero-Ichi-Hachi) Support“

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)

How to Apply for Tokyo Metropolitan Housing

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)

03-3498-8894

03-6418-5546 (automatic voice guidance)

Metropolitan Housing Application Information

(choose desired language at the top of the page)

Procedures to Take From Your Child’s Birth Until They Enter Elementary School

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”

School Expense Subsidies (New Enrollment Subsidies)

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.

“Kodomo-Shokudou” – Children’s Cafeteria

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.

Now has accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

"Kotokoto", the information support service for families with foreign roots, now has accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Follow us:

How to Use the Library: A Place of Endless Books

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.

Refund of Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy

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.

Let’s Visit Art Galleries, Museums and Libraries!

There are many art galleries, museums and libraries run by Japanese local governments. These places can help enrich children’s spirits, and we recommend that you take advantage of them.

What are the Art Galleries and Museums Like?

The art galleries are places where various types of artwork, such as paintings and sculptures, are exhibited. At the museums, you will see many types of items related to history, culture, nature and industries of the region that have been collected for exhibition. There are different types of art galleries and museums, including galleries that display artwork created by an artist with some connection to the region, and museums with exhibits related to the nature and industries specific to the region. Some places offer workshops and study sessions in addition to exhibits. Check their website for information. An entrance fee is usually required to visit any art galleries and museums.

What are the Libraries Like?

At the libraries, you can find various types of informational materials, such as books, magazines, DVD’s, and CD’s. Children’s books and picture books are also available. You can also check out these materials by following necessary procedure. Some libraries offer story time for children. The public libraries are usually free of charge.

Use the Facilities in Your Region

Places like art galleries, museums and libraries stimulate children’s intellectual curiosity. Visiting these places is also an opportunity for children to get to know the area they live in. Consider visiting the facilities in your area with your children.