Hiroshima

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Language Assistance

Sections

Overview of Language Assistance in Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a welcoming city with a growing number of services designed to assist non-Japanese speakers. As a popular tourist destination and a city with a small but growing international community, Hiroshima offers various language assistance options for visitors and immigrants. These services range from translation and interpretation to language learning and cultural adaptation support.

Categories of Language Assistance

  1. Tourist-Focused Language Assistance

    • Designed for short-term visitors, these services help with navigating the city, understanding attractions, and accessing emergency support.

  2. Immigrant and Resident Language Support

    • Tailored for long-term residents, these services focus on helping immigrants integrate into Japanese society, including assistance with government procedures, healthcare, and education.

  3. Emergency Language Assistance

    • Services to help non-Japanese speakers during emergencies, such as medical issues, natural disasters, or legal matters.

  4. Language Learning Resources

    • Programs and resources for learning Japanese to help immigrants and long-term visitors adapt to daily life in Hiroshima.

Potential Services Offered

1. Tourist Information Centers

  • Services: Multilingual staff provide maps, brochures, and guidance in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages.
  • Locations:
    • Hiroshima Station Tourist Information Center
    • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park Information Center
  • Cost: Free
  • How to Access: Visit the centers in person or call ahead. Some centers also offer email support.

2. Hiroshima International Center (HIC)

  • Services:
    • Interpretation and translation services for government procedures.
    • Multilingual consultation for legal, medical, and daily life issues.
    • Cultural exchange programs to help immigrants adapt.
  • Cost: Free or low-cost (depending on the service).
  • How to Access:

3. Hiroshima Multilingual Living Support Center

  • Services:
    • Assistance with housing, healthcare, education, and employment.
    • Interpretation services for non-Japanese speakers.
    • Multilingual guides and resources for daily life.
  • Languages Supported: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, and others.
  • Cost: Free
  • How to Access:
    • Visit their office in Hiroshima City.
    • Call their multilingual support line.

4. Medical Interpretation Services

  • Services:
    • Interpretation for non-Japanese speakers during medical appointments.
    • Lists of hospitals and clinics with multilingual staff or interpretation services.
  • Cost: Free or low-cost (depending on the hospital/clinic).
  • How to Access:
    • Contact the Hiroshima Medical Interpreter Volunteer System.
    • Check the Hiroshima Prefecture website for a list of multilingual-friendly medical facilities.

5. Language Learning Programs

  • Services:
    • Japanese language classes for beginners to advanced learners.
    • Cultural orientation sessions to help immigrants understand Japanese customs and etiquette.
  • Providers:
    • Hiroshima YMCA: Offers structured Japanese language courses.
    • Local community centers: Provide free or low-cost Japanese classes.
  • Cost: Varies (YMCA classes are paid; community center classes are often free or very affordable).
  • How to Access:
    • Contact the Hiroshima YMCA or your local community center for schedules and enrollment procedures.

6. Emergency Language Assistance

  • Services:
    • 24/7 multilingual support for emergencies (police, fire, ambulance).
    • Disaster preparedness information in multiple languages.
  • Providers:
    • Japan Visitor Hotline (operated by JNTO): 050-3816-2787
    • Hiroshima Prefecture Disaster Prevention Information: Multilingual updates during emergencies.
  • Cost: Free
  • How to Access:
    • Call the Japan Visitor Hotline or check the Hiroshima Prefecture website.

Associated Costs

  • Free Services: Most government-sponsored language assistance programs, tourist information centers, and emergency hotlines are free.
  • Low-Cost Services: Some interpretation services, medical interpreters, and community-based Japanese classes may charge a small fee.
  • Paid Services: Private language schools and professional translation/interpretation services can be more expensive, with costs ranging from ¥2,000–¥5,000 per hour.

How to Access These Services

  1. In-Person:

    • Visit tourist information centers, community centers, or the Hiroshima International Center for direct assistance.
    • Many offices have multilingual staff or access to interpretation services.

  2. Online:

    • Check official websites for resources, guides, and contact information.
    • Some services, like the Hiroshima International Center, offer online consultations.

  3. By Phone:

    • Use multilingual hotlines for immediate assistance.
    • Examples include the Japan Visitor Hotline and the Hiroshima Multilingual Living Support Center.

  4. Through Apps:

    • Download apps like Google Translate or VoiceTra for basic translation needs.
    • Use the "Safety Tips" app for disaster-related language support.

Procedures for Using Language Assistance Services

  1. Identify Your Needs:

    • Determine whether you need help with daily life, emergencies, or specific tasks like medical appointments or government paperwork.

  2. Contact the Appropriate Service:

    • For general inquiries, start with the Hiroshima International Center or a tourist information center.
    • For emergencies, call the Japan Visitor Hotline or local emergency numbers.

  3. Provide Basic Information:

    • Be prepared to explain your situation and the type of assistance you need.
    • If possible, have your address or location details ready.

  4. Follow Up:

    • If using interpretation services for appointments or paperwork, confirm the details with the service provider in advance.

Local Considerations for Hiroshima

  1. Cultural Sensitivity:

    • While Hiroshima is welcoming, understanding basic Japanese etiquette (e.g., bowing, removing shoes indoors) can help you integrate more smoothly.

  2. Language Barriers:

    • English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, so having a translation app or phrasebook can be helpful.

  3. Community Support:

    • Hiroshima has a strong network of international residents and support groups. Joining these communities can provide additional language and cultural assistance.

  4. Disaster Preparedness:

    • Hiroshima is in a region prone to earthquakes and typhoons. Ensure you have access to multilingual disaster information and know how to contact emergency services.

By utilizing these resources and services, visitors and immigrants in Hiroshima can navigate the city with confidence and ease. Whether you’re staying short-term or planning to settle, Hiroshima offers a range of language assistance options to meet your needs.