Sendai

1. Overview of Local Government in Sendai

Sendai is the largest city in the Tohoku region and is governed by the Sendai City Hall (仙台市役所, Sendai Shiyakusho). The city provides a wide range of services to support residents, including health care, child support, waste management, housing, and disaster preparedness. Services are designed to be accessible to both Japanese citizens and foreign residents, with multilingual support available in many cases.

The main administrative offices are located in Aoba Ward, but there are branch offices in each of Sendai’s five wards: Aoba, Miyagino, Wakabayashi, Taihaku, and Izumi. These branch offices handle local services and inquiries.

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2. Health and Medical Services

a. National Health Insurance (NHI)

• What it is: All residents of Japan, including foreign residents staying for more than 3 months, are required to enroll in health insurance. The National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken) is managed by the city.
• Services covered: Doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and some dental care. Patients typically pay 30% of the cost, with the remaining 70% covered by insurance.
• Cost: Premiums are based on income and household size. For low-income residents, subsidies may be available.
• How to apply: Visit your local ward office with your residence card, passport, and proof of address. You will receive a health insurance card after registration.

b. Public Health Centers

• Services offered: Vaccinations, health checkups, maternal and child health services, and disease prevention programs.
• Unique to Sendai: The city offers free or low-cost health checkups for residents, including cancer screenings and lifestyle disease prevention programs.

c. Multilingual Support

• The Sendai Multicultural Center provides interpretation services for medical appointments and health-related inquiries.

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3. Child Support and Family Services

a. Child Allowance (児童手当, Jidō Teate)

• What it is: Financial support for families with children under 15 years old.
• Amount: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per child per month, depending on the child’s age and household income.
• How to apply: Submit an application at your local ward office with your residence card, proof of income, and bank account details.

b. Childcare Services

• Daycare Centers (保育園, Hoikuen): Available for children aged 0–5. Fees are based on household income.
• Kindergartens (幼稚園, Yōchien): For children aged 3–5, with a focus on early education.
• How to apply: Applications are submitted through the ward office or directly to the daycare/kindergarten. Spaces can be competitive, so apply early.

c. Parenting Support

• Sendai Parenting Support Centers: Offer free advice, parenting classes, and play areas for children.
• Unique to Sendai: The city has a strong focus on disaster preparedness for families, offering workshops on how to protect children during earthquakes or tsunamis.

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4. Waste Management

Sendai is known for its efficient and environmentally friendly waste management system. Residents are required to sort their waste into specific categories.

a. Categories of Waste

1. Burnable Waste (燃えるごみ, Moeru Gomi): Kitchen waste, paper, etc.
2. Non-Burnable Waste (燃えないごみ, Moenai Gomi): Glass, ceramics, etc.
3. Recyclables (資源ごみ, Shigen Gomi): Cans, bottles, PET bottles, and paper.
4. Large Items (粗大ごみ, Sodai Gomi): Furniture, appliances, etc.

b. How to Dispose of Waste

• Burnable and Non-Burnable Waste: Use designated bags (available at supermarkets and convenience stores) and place them at the collection point on the specified day.
• Recyclables: Must be cleaned and sorted before disposal.
• Large Items: Require a special pickup request. Call the city’s waste management office to schedule a collection.

c. Unique to Sendai

• Sendai has a biodegradable waste recycling program, where food waste is turned into compost. Residents can participate by using special collection bins.

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5. Housing Support

a. Public Housing (市営住宅, Shiei Jūtaku)

• What it is: Affordable housing provided by the city for low-income residents.
• Eligibility: Based on income, family size, and residency status.
• How to apply: Applications are accepted periodically. Check the city’s website or visit the housing division at your ward office for details.

b. Rental Assistance

• The city offers subsidies for low-income families and single parents to help with private rental costs.
• How to apply: Submit an application at the ward office with proof of income and rental agreement.

c. Earthquake-Resistant Housing

• Sendai promotes earthquake-resistant housing due to its location in a seismically active region. Subsidies are available for retrofitting older homes.

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6. Disaster Preparedness

Sendai is located in a region prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, so disaster preparedness is a key focus of local government services.

a. Disaster Preparedness Centers

• The Sendai City Disaster Prevention Center offers free workshops and simulations to teach residents how to respond to earthquakes, tsunamis, and fires.

b. Emergency Alerts

• The city provides multilingual emergency alerts via text messages, apps, and loudspeakers. Foreign residents are encouraged to register for these services.

c. Evacuation Centers

• Each ward has designated evacuation centers equipped with food, water, and medical supplies. Maps and information are available at ward offices.

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7. Multicultural and Language Support

a. Sendai Multicultural Center

• Provides information and support for foreign residents, including help with government paperwork, interpretation services, and cultural adaptation.
• Languages supported: English, Chinese, Korean, and others.

b. Japanese Language Classes

• The city offers free or low-cost Japanese language classes for foreign residents. These are held at community centers and libraries.

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8. Transportation and Accessibility

a. Public Transportation

• Sendai has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, subways, and trains. The Sendai City Transportation Bureau manages these services.
• IC Cards: Purchase a Suica or PASMO card for convenient travel.

b. Accessibility for People with Disabilities

• Public facilities and transportation in Sendai are wheelchair accessible. The city also provides subsidies for mobility aids and home modifications.

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9. Costs and Procedures

• Most services provided by the city are either free or heavily subsidized. For services with fees (e.g., health insurance, daycare), costs are calculated based on income.
• To access services, visit your local ward office with your residence card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo), proof of address, and any required documents (e.g., income statements, bank details).

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10. Unique Considerations for Sendai

• Disaster Preparedness: Due to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Sendai places a strong emphasis on disaster education and infrastructure.
• Green Initiatives: Sendai is known as the "City of Trees" and promotes environmental sustainability through waste recycling and urban greening projects.
• Community Events: The city hosts multicultural festivals and events to foster community integration for foreign residents.

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This guide should help you navigate the local government services in Sendai with ease. For further assistance, visit the Sendai City Hall website or contact the Sendai Multicultural Center.