Fukuoka

1. Overview of City Offices in Fukuoka

City offices in Fukuoka are known as "Shiyakusho" (市役所) or Ward Offices ("Kuyakusho" 区役所). Fukuoka is divided into seven wards (Hakata, Chuo, Higashi, Jonan, Minami, Nishi, and Sawara), and each ward has its own office to handle local administrative tasks. The main city office is the Fukuoka City Hall (福岡市役所), located in Tenjin.

City offices are open Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM, and are closed on weekends, public holidays, and during the New Year holiday period (December 29–January 3). Some services may require appointments, so it’s best to check in advance.

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2. Finance-Related Services

City offices in Fukuoka provide several finance-related services, including tax registration, payment, and inquiries about financial assistance programs.

A. Resident Tax (住民税, Juminzei)

• What It Is: Resident tax is a local tax paid by individuals who have lived in Fukuoka for at least one year. It is based on your income from the previous year.
• Services Provided:
  • Registration for resident tax.
  • Issuance of tax payment slips.
  • Tax payment assistance and consultation.
• Costs: The tax amount varies depending on your income. For salaried workers, it is often deducted automatically from your paycheck.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit your local ward office with your My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) or Residence Card (在留カード).
  2. Fill out the necessary forms for tax registration or inquiries.
  3. If you are self-employed, you may need to submit a tax return (確定申告, Kakutei Shinkoku) at the tax office.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Tax payment is taken very seriously in Japan. Ensure you meet deadlines to avoid penalties.
  • If you are unsure about the process, city offices often have multilingual support or can connect you with interpreters.

B. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

• What It Is: A mandatory health insurance program for residents not covered by employer-provided insurance.
• Services Provided:
  • Registration for National Health Insurance.
  • Payment of premiums.
  • Issuance of insurance cards.
• Costs: Premiums are calculated based on your income and household size. For low-income residents, subsidies may be available.
• Procedure:
  1. Bring your Residence Card, My Number Card, and proof of address to your ward office.
  2. Fill out the application form for National Health Insurance.
  3. You will receive a payment slip, which can be paid at convenience stores, banks, or online.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Health insurance is essential in Japan, as it significantly reduces medical costs.
  • Always carry your insurance card when visiting a hospital or clinic.

C. Financial Assistance Programs

• What It Is: Assistance for low-income families, single parents, or those facing financial hardship.
• Services Provided:
  • Applications for welfare benefits (生活保護, Seikatsu Hogo).
  • Childcare subsidies (児童手当, Jido Teate).
  • Housing assistance.
• Costs: Free to apply, but eligibility is strictly assessed.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit your ward office and consult with the welfare department.
  2. Provide documentation, such as proof of income, residence, and family composition.
  3. Wait for approval, which may take several weeks.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Asking for financial assistance is not stigmatized in Japan, but the process is thorough and requires patience.

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3. Local Services

City offices also handle a variety of local administrative services to help residents integrate into the community.

A. Resident Registration (住民登録, Jumin Toroku)

• What It Is: All residents, including foreigners, must register their address within 14 days of moving to Fukuoka.
• Services Provided:
  • Address registration.
  • Issuance of a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Juminhyo).
• Costs: Registration is free, but issuing a certificate costs around ¥300–500.
• Procedure:
  1. Bring your Residence Card and proof of your new address (e.g., rental contract) to your ward office.
  2. Fill out the address registration form.
  3. Request a Juminhyo if needed for other procedures (e.g., opening a bank account).
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Address registration is mandatory and must be updated every time you move.
  • Be polite and patient, as the process may take some time.

B. My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)

• What It Is: A national ID card used for tax, social security, and other administrative purposes.
• Services Provided:
  • Application for a My Number Card.
  • Issuance and updates to the card.
• Costs: Free for the first issuance.
• Procedure:
  1. Apply online or at your ward office.
  2. Provide your Residence Card and a passport-sized photo.
  3. Wait for a notification to pick up your card (usually takes 1–2 months).
• Cultural Considerations:
  • The My Number Card is increasingly used for digital services, so it’s worth applying for.

C. Garbage Disposal and Recycling Information

• What It Is: Guidance on Fukuoka’s strict garbage disposal and recycling rules.
• Services Provided:
  • Distribution of garbage disposal calendars.
  • Information on sorting and collection days.
• Costs: Free.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit your ward office or check the Fukuoka City website for garbage disposal guidelines.
  2. Obtain designated garbage bags (available at convenience stores and supermarkets).
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Garbage sorting is taken very seriously in Japan. Improper disposal can lead to fines or complaints from neighbors.

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4. Multilingual Support

Fukuoka City is foreigner-friendly and offers multilingual support for many services:

• Languages Available: English, Chinese, Korean, and others.
• How to Access:
  • Visit the Fukuoka City International Center for assistance.
  • Use the multilingual consultation desks at ward offices.
  • Call the Fukuoka City Multilingual Call Center at 092-733-5429.

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5. Tips for Visiting City Offices

• Bring Necessary Documents: Always carry your Residence Card, My Number Card, and any other relevant paperwork.
• Be Punctual: Arrive early to avoid long waits, especially during peak hours (morning and early afternoon).
• Politeness Matters: Japanese culture values politeness and patience. Use respectful language and gestures.
• Cash Payments: Many services require cash payments, so bring sufficient yen.

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By understanding the services provided by Fukuoka’s city offices and following the outlined procedures, you can efficiently navigate the administrative and financial aspects of living in this beautiful city. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to ask!