Hiroshima

Local Government Offices in Hiroshima, Japan

Local government offices in Hiroshima play a crucial role in providing administrative services to residents, including foreign nationals. These offices are typically organized by ward (区, ku) and include the Hiroshima City Hall and individual ward offices (kuyakusho). Below is a detailed breakdown of the services, procedures, and tips for interacting with these offices.

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1. Types of Services Offered

Local government offices in Hiroshima provide a wide range of services, including but not limited to:

For Residents (Japanese and Foreign Nationals):

• Resident Registration (住民登録, Jūmin Tōroku):
  • Register your address when moving to Hiroshima or changing residences within the city.
  • Obtain a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jūminhyō).
• My Number Card (マイナンバーカード):
  • Apply for or update your My Number Card, a national ID card used for various administrative purposes.
• Health Insurance and Pension Enrollment:
  • Register for National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken).
  • Enroll in the National Pension System (国民年金, Kokumin Nenkin).
• Tax Services:
  • File local taxes or obtain tax certificates (課税証明書, Kazei Shōmeisho).
• Childcare and Education:
  • Apply for daycare services, school enrollment, or child allowances.
• Marriage, Birth, and Death Registration:
  • Submit notifications for marriage, birth, or death (戸籍届出, Koseki Todokede).
• Disaster Preparedness:
  • Access information on disaster prevention and register for emergency alerts.

For Foreign Nationals:

• Alien Registration (外国人登録, Gaikokujin Tōroku):
  • Register your residence as a foreign national.
• Visa and Residency Support:
  • Assistance with residency-related documentation (in collaboration with immigration offices).
• Language Support:
  • Some offices provide multilingual assistance or access to interpreters for non-Japanese speakers.
• Cultural and Community Integration:
  • Information on local events, Japanese language classes, and community resources.

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2. Necessary Documentation

The documents required depend on the service you are seeking. Below are some common examples:

Resident Registration:

• Passport
• Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo)
• Proof of previous address (if moving from another city in Japan)

Health Insurance Enrollment:

• Residence Card
• Passport
• Proof of address in Hiroshima

Marriage Registration:

• Passport
• Residence Card
• Birth Certificate (translated into Japanese if not in Japanese)
• Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (if applicable)

Tax Certificates:

• Identification (My Number Card or Residence Card)
• Proof of income (if applicable)

Childcare Applications:

• Proof of residence
• Proof of income (e.g., tax documents)
• Child’s birth certificate

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3. Costs

Most services at local government offices are free or have minimal fees. Below are some examples:

• Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jūminhyō): ¥300–500 per copy.
• Tax Certificates (課税証明書, Kazei Shōmeisho): ¥300–500 per copy.
• My Number Card Application: Free (replacement cards may incur a fee).
• Marriage Registration: Free (additional fees may apply for official copies of documents).

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4. Office Locations

Hiroshima is divided into eight wards, each with its own ward office. The Hiroshima City Hall oversees all ward offices.

Hiroshima City Hall (広島市役所, Hiroshima Shiyakusho):

• Address: 1-6-34 Kokutaiji-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
• Phone: +81-82-245-2111
• Access: 5-minute walk from Chuden-mae Station (Hiroden Streetcar Line)

Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho):

1. Naka Ward Office (中区役所):
   • Address: 4-1 Kakomachi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-504-2540
2. Higashi Ward Office (東区役所):
   • Address: 9-34 Higashikaniya-cho, Higashi-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-568-7700
3. Minami Ward Office (南区役所):
   • Address: 5-15 Minami-machi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-250-8930
4. Nishi Ward Office (西区役所):
   • Address: 2-7-1 Fukushima-cho, Nishi-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-532-0930
5. Asaminami Ward Office (安佐南区役所):
   • Address: 1-38-13 Nakasuji, Asaminami-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-831-4920
6. Asakita Ward Office (安佐北区役所):
   • Address: 19-22 Kabe, Asakita-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-819-3900
7. Aki Ward Office (安芸区役所):
   • Address: 2-16-3 Funakoshi-minami, Aki-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-821-4900
8. Saeki Ward Office (佐伯区役所):
   • Address: 1-4-5 Kairoen, Saeki-ku, Hiroshima
   • Phone: +81-82-943-9700

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5. Operating Hours

• Standard Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM
• Closed: Weekends, national holidays, and December 29–January 3 (New Year holidays)
• Extended Hours: Some services may offer extended hours on specific days. Check with your local ward office for details.

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6. Procedures

1. Arriving at the Office:
   • Take a numbered ticket from the reception desk or kiosk.
   • Wait for your number to be called or displayed on the screen.
2. Submitting Documents:
   • Ensure all forms are filled out in advance (if possible).
   • Present your documents to the staff.
3. Receiving Services:
   • Some services, like issuing certificates, are completed on the same day.
   • Others, like My Number Card issuance, may require a return visit.

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7. Cultural and Practical Tips

• Language Support:
  • While some staff may speak basic English, it’s advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app.
  • Hiroshima City offers multilingual support services for foreign residents. Check their website for details.
• Politeness:
  • Bow when greeting staff and use polite language. Saying “Arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) is appreciated.
• Punctuality:
  • Arrive early, especially if you need assistance with forms or translations.
• Forms:
  • Many forms are in Japanese. Ask for assistance if needed or prepare in advance by downloading forms from the office’s website.
• Cash Payments:
  • Bring cash, as some offices may not accept credit cards for small fees.

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By understanding the services, procedures, and cultural nuances of Hiroshima’s local government offices, you can navigate administrative tasks with ease and confidence. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!