Hiroshima

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Language Assistance Services

Sections

1. Hiroshima International Center (HIC)

The Hiroshima International Center is a key resource for language assistance and support for foreign residents. It provides interpretation, translation, and consultation services to help with financial matters, local services, and other administrative needs.

Services Offered:

  • Multilingual Consultations: Assistance with understanding financial documents, utility bills, tax forms, and other local service-related paperwork.
  • Interpretation Services: Support for communication at banks, city offices, and other institutions.
  • Translation Services: Translation of essential documents, such as bank statements, contracts, and tax-related forms.

Languages Available:

  • English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and others (availability may vary).

Costs:

  • Consultations: Free for general inquiries.
  • Translation Services: Fees may apply depending on the document type and length. Contact the center for specific pricing.

How to Access:

  • Visit the Hiroshima International Center in person.
  • Call their multilingual hotline: +81-82-541-3777.
  • Check their website for online resources and appointment booking: HIC Website.

Location:

  • Address: 1-5 Nakajima-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City (inside the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park area).

2. Hiroshima City Consultation Services for Foreign Residents

The Hiroshima City government provides consultation services specifically for foreign residents, including language support for financial and local service-related issues.

Services Offered:

  • Financial Guidance: Help with opening a bank account, understanding taxes, and navigating local financial systems.
  • Local Services Assistance: Support with utility contracts, insurance, and pension systems.
  • Interpretation and Translation: Limited support for official documents and communication with service providers.

Languages Available:

  • English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and others.

Costs:

  • Free for consultations.
  • Translation services may incur a fee depending on the complexity of the request.

How to Access:

  • Visit the Hiroshima City Consultation Desk for Foreign Residents.
  • Call their multilingual support line: +81-82-504-2106.
  • Email inquiries are also accepted (check the cityโ€™s official website for the email address).

Location:

  • Address: Hiroshima City Hall, 6-34 Kokutaiji-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City.

3. Hiroshima Multilingual Living Support Center

This center specializes in providing comprehensive support for foreign residents, including language assistance for financial and local service-related matters.

Services Offered:

  • Consultations: Help with financial planning, understanding local taxes, and accessing public services.
  • Interpretation Services: Support for interactions with banks, post offices, and city offices.
  • Workshops and Seminars: Periodic events to educate foreign residents about financial systems, taxes, and local services.

Languages Available:

  • English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Costs:

  • Free for consultations and interpretation services.
  • Workshops are usually free but may require prior registration.

How to Access:

Location:

  • Address: 1-4-1 Otemachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City.

4. Hiroshima Bank and Financial Institutions

Many banks in Hiroshima, such as Hiroshima Bank and Japan Post Bank, offer limited language assistance for foreign customers. They may provide:

  • Multilingual ATMs with English, Chinese, and Korean interfaces.
  • English-speaking staff at select branches.
  • Translation apps or devices to assist with communication.

Costs:

  • No additional fees for language assistance.
  • Standard banking fees apply for services like account maintenance or international transfers.

How to Access:

  • Visit a branch with multilingual support (check the bankโ€™s website for branch details).
  • Use ATMs with multilingual options.

Considerations:

  • Bring your residence card, passport, and proof of address when opening a bank account.
  • Some banks may require an in-person interpreter for complex transactions.

5. Volunteer Interpreter Services

Hiroshima has a network of volunteer interpreters who assist foreign residents with various needs, including financial and local services.

Services Offered:

  • Accompanying individuals to city offices, banks, or hospitals.
  • Assisting with understanding contracts, bills, and other documents.

Languages Available:

  • Varies depending on the volunteer network.

Costs:

  • Free, but transportation or other incidental costs may need to be covered by the user.

How to Access:

  • Contact the Hiroshima International Center or local community centers to request a volunteer interpreter.

6. Online and App-Based Language Assistance

For quick and convenient language support, Hiroshima residents can also use online tools and apps:

  • Google Translate: Useful for translating documents or conversations.
  • VoiceTra: A Japanese government-developed app for real-time interpretation.
  • LINE Translation Feature: Available within the LINE messaging app, widely used in Japan.

Costs:

  • Free (data charges may apply).

Considerations:

  • While these tools are helpful, they may not be accurate for complex financial or legal terms. Itโ€™s best to consult a professional for critical matters.

Key Considerations for Hiroshima:

  1. Cultural Sensitivity: When seeking language assistance, be polite and patient, as not all staff may be fluent in your language.
  2. Appointment Booking: For in-person consultations, itโ€™s recommended to book an appointment in advance, especially for translation or interpretation services.
  3. Local Dialects: While Hiroshima residents generally speak standard Japanese, some older locals may use the Hiroshima dialect, which can be challenging for non-native speakers. Professional interpreters can help bridge this gap.
  4. Public Holidays: Many services may be unavailable during Japanese public holidays, so plan accordingly.

By utilizing these resources, you can effectively navigate financial and local services in Hiroshima, ensuring a smoother integration into the community. Let me know if you need further assistance!