Fukuoka

1. Resident Registration (住民登録 - Jūmin Tōroku)

Overview:

If you plan to stay in Fukuoka for more than 90 days, you are required to register your residence at the local ward office (区役所 - Kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving into the city.

Procedure:

1. Visit the Ward Office: Fukuoka is divided into seven wards (Higashi, Hakata, Chūō, Minami, Jōnan, Sawara, and Nishi). You must visit the ward office corresponding to your address.
2. Documents Required:
   • Passport
   • Residence Card (在留カード - Zairyū Kādo)
   • Proof of Address (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill)
3. Fill Out Forms: Complete the "Notification of Moving-In" (転入届 - Tennyū Todoke) form.
4. Receive My Number Card: If you don’t already have a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), you can apply for one during registration. This card is essential for accessing many public services.

Costs:

• Free of charge for registration.
• Optional: My Number Card issuance is free for the first card.

Cultural Tips:

• Be polite and patient, as the process may take some time.
• Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if you are not confident in Japanese, as English support may be limited.

---

2. Healthcare Access (健康保険 - Kenkō Hoken)

Overview:

Japan has a universal healthcare system, and all residents are required to enroll in either the National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 - Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) or an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.

Procedure:

1. Enroll in National Health Insurance:
   • Visit your local ward office.
   • Bring your Residence Card, passport, and proof of address.
   • Fill out the application form for National Health Insurance.
2. Receive Your Insurance Card: Once enrolled, you will receive a health insurance card (保険証 - Hokenshō), which you must present when visiting medical facilities.

Costs:

• Premiums are based on your income and household size. For a single person with no income, the monthly premium is typically around ¥2,000–¥5,000.
• You pay 30% of medical costs at clinics and hospitals, while the insurance covers the remaining 70%.

Cultural Tips:

• Many clinics and hospitals in Fukuoka have English-speaking staff, especially in central areas like Hakata and Tenjin.
• Always carry your health insurance card with you.

---

3. Waste Disposal (ゴミの分別 - Gomi no Bunbetsu)

Overview:

Fukuoka has a strict waste separation and disposal system. Garbage is categorized into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste.

Procedure:

1. Obtain Garbage Bags:
   • Purchase designated garbage bags (Fukuoka City bags) from supermarkets or convenience stores. They are color-coded:
     • Burnable (燃えるゴミ - Moeru Gomi): Red bags
     • Non-burnable (燃えないゴミ - Moenai Gomi): Blue bags
     • Recyclables (資源ゴミ - Shigen Gomi): Transparent bags
2. Follow the Collection Schedule:
   • Each neighborhood has a specific collection schedule. Check with your ward office or local community board for details.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly:
   • Burnable waste: Kitchen scraps, paper, etc.
   • Non-burnable waste: Glass, ceramics, etc.
   • Recyclables: Plastic bottles, cans, and paper.

Costs:

• Garbage bags cost around ¥200–¥500 per pack, depending on size.

Cultural Tips:

• Improper disposal can lead to fines or complaints from neighbors. Be diligent about following the rules.
• Look for community boards or ask neighbors if you’re unsure about the schedule.

---

4. Taxation (税金 - Zeikin)

Overview:

Residents of Fukuoka are required to pay local taxes, including income tax, resident tax, and consumption tax.

Key Taxes:

1. Income Tax (所得税 - Shotokuzei):
   • Paid annually based on your income.
   • If you are employed, your employer will deduct this from your salary.
2. Resident Tax (住民税 - Jūminzei):
   • Paid to the city and prefecture.
   • Calculated based on your previous year’s income.
3. Consumption Tax (消費税 - Shōhizei):
   • A flat 10% tax on goods and services.

Procedure:

• If you are self-employed or have additional income, you must file a tax return (確定申告 - Kakutei Shinkoku) at the Fukuoka Tax Office (福岡税務署 - Fukuoka Zeimusho) during the annual tax season (February–March).

Costs:

• Resident tax is typically around 10% of your income.
• Filing taxes is free, but you may need to hire a tax consultant if your situation is complex.

Cultural Tips:

• Keep all receipts and financial records to simplify tax filing.
• The tax office may have English-speaking staff or interpreters during the tax season.

---

5. Key Local Government Offices

Ward Offices (区役所 - Kuyakusho):

Each ward office provides services such as resident registration, health insurance enrollment, and waste disposal guidance. Below are the main ward offices:

• Hakata Ward Office (博多区役所):
  • Address: 2-8-1 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
  • Phone: 092-441-2131
• Chūō Ward Office (中央区役所):
  • Address: 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka
  • Phone: 092-718-1111

Fukuoka City Hall (福岡市役所):

• Address: 1-8-1 Tenjin, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka
• Services: General inquiries, My Number Card applications, and city-wide information.
• Phone: 092-711-4111

Fukuoka Immigration Bureau (福岡出入国在留管理局):

• Address: 3-5-25 Maizuru, Chūō-ku, Fukuoka
• Services: Visa applications, residence card updates, and re-entry permits.
• Phone: 092-717-5420

---

6. Cultural Tips for Navigating Local Government Services

• Punctuality: Arrive on time for appointments or office visits.
• Language: While some staff may speak English, it’s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
• Politeness: Bowing and using polite language (e.g., "arigatou gozaimasu" for thank you) are appreciated.
• Office Hours: Most government offices are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. They are closed on weekends and public holidays.

---

By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate Fukuoka’s local government services and settle into the city smoothly. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!