Hiroshima

1. Overview of Government Offices in Hiroshima

Government offices in Hiroshima provide a wide range of public services, including immigration support, resident registration, tax services, health insurance, pension enrollment, and more. These offices are generally well-organized, efficient, and staffed with helpful personnel. However, English-speaking staff may not always be available, so preparation is key.

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2. Key Government Offices in Hiroshima

A. Hiroshima City Hall (広島市役所)

• Location: 6-34 Kokutaiji-machi 1-chome, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
• Services Offered:
  • Resident registration (住民登録, Jūmin Tōroku)
  • Issuance of residence certificates (住民票, Jūminhyō)
  • National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken) enrollment
  • Pension system registration (国民年金, Kokumin Nenkin)
  • Childcare and welfare services
  • Tax-related services (e.g., municipal tax inquiries)
• How to Access Services:
  • Bring your residence card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo) and passport.
  • Fill out the required forms, which are often available in Japanese and sometimes in English.
  • For health insurance or pension enrollment, you may need proof of employment or income.
• Costs: Most services are free, but some documents (e.g., residence certificates) may require a small fee (around ¥300-500 per copy).
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).

B. Hiroshima Immigration Bureau (広島出入国在留管理局)

• Location: 2-31 Kami-Hatchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
• Services Offered:
  • Visa applications and renewals
  • Change of visa status
  • Re-entry permits
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) processing
• How to Access Services:
  • Bring all required documents, including your passport, residence card, and any supporting documents (e.g., employment contracts, proof of enrollment for students).
  • Application forms are available at the office or online.
  • Arrive early, as immigration offices can be busy.
• Costs: Fees vary depending on the service (e.g., ¥4,000 for a re-entry permit).
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).

C. Hiroshima Prefectural Office (広島県庁)

• Location: 10-52 Moto-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
• Services Offered:
  • Prefectural tax inquiries
  • Business permits and licenses
  • Disaster preparedness information
  • Support for international residents
• How to Access Services:
  • Visit the relevant department within the office.
  • Bring identification and any required documents.
• Costs: Varies depending on the service.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM.

D. Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho)

Hiroshima is divided into eight wards, each with its own ward office. These offices provide localized services similar to those at City Hall, such as:

• Address changes
• Issuance of residence certificates
• Enrollment in local services
• Consultation for international residents
• Notable Ward Offices:
  • Naka Ward Office (中区役所)
  • Minami Ward Office (南区役所)
  • Asaminami Ward Office (安佐南区役所)
• How to Access Services:
  • Visit the ward office corresponding to your registered address.
  • Bring your residence card and any necessary documents.
• Costs: Minimal fees for document issuance.

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3. Necessary Procedures for Accessing Services

A. Resident Registration

• Who Needs It: All residents, including foreign nationals, must register their address within 14 days of moving to Hiroshima.
• Where to Go: City Hall or your local ward office.
• Documents Needed:
  • Residence card
  • Passport
  • Proof of address (e.g., rental agreement)
• Process:
  • Fill out the address registration form.
  • Submit the form and documents to the counter.
  • Receive your updated residence card or a confirmation slip.

B. National Health Insurance Enrollment

• Who Needs It: All residents staying in Japan for more than three months.
• Where to Go: City Hall or your local ward office.
• Documents Needed:
  • Residence card
  • Passport
  • Proof of address
• Process:
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the form and documents.
  • Receive your health insurance card (保険証, Hokenshō).

C. Visa-Related Services

• Who Needs It: Foreign nationals requiring visa renewals, changes, or re-entry permits.
• Where to Go: Hiroshima Immigration Bureau.
• Documents Needed:
  • Residence card
  • Passport
  • Application form
  • Supporting documents (e.g., employment contract, proof of enrollment)
• Process:
  • Submit the application and pay the required fee.
  • Wait for processing (can take several weeks).

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4. Associated Costs

• Residence certificate: ¥300-500 per copy
• Visa renewal: ¥4,000-6,000
• Re-entry permit: ¥4,000 (single) or ¥6,000 (multiple)
• National Health Insurance premiums: Vary based on income (typically ¥1,000-¥5,000/month for low-income earners)

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5. Cultural and Local Considerations

A. Language

• Most government offices operate primarily in Japanese. Some larger offices, like the Immigration Bureau, may have English-speaking staff or multilingual support desks. It’s advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter if you’re not confident in Japanese.

B. Politeness and Formality

• Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and respect. When visiting government offices:
  • Dress neatly and conservatively.
  • Use polite language and bow when greeting staff.
  • Be patient and avoid raising your voice, even if there are delays.

C. Punctuality

• Arrive early, especially for immigration-related services, as queues can be long.
• Note that offices close promptly at their stated hours, so plan your visit accordingly.

D. Documentation

• Always bring original documents and photocopies. Japanese offices are strict about documentation, and incomplete paperwork can result in delays.

E. Public Holidays

• Government offices are closed on weekends and Japanese public holidays. Check the calendar in advance to avoid inconvenience.

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6. Additional Resources

• Hiroshima City International Center (広島市国際交流センター)

  • Offers support and information for international residents.
  • Location: 1-5 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
  • Services: Multilingual consultations, cultural exchange programs, and more.
  • Website: Hiroshima City International Center

• Hiroshima Prefecture Multilingual Call Center

  • Phone: 082-513-2366
  • Provides interpretation services for foreign residents.

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By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate Hiroshima’s government offices and access the services you need. Let me know if you need further assistance!