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Fall Edition, 2013 September - November. 2013 September. 1 No. 130http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/english/● Edited and published by the Public Relations Section of Naka Ward Office, City of Yokohama, 35 Nihon-odori, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0021　 Tel: 045-224-8123 Fax: 045-224-8214 E-mail: na-koho@city.yokohama.jp

Consult in Your Mother Tongue When Faced with a Problem

● Education Matters For households with children that need to discuss educational matters.

・ I'd like to consult about getting my child into a public school.・ My child is in elementary school. He doesn't

understand Japanese well, so I'm worried he'll fall behind in his studies.・ I can't seem to communicate well with the

school about my child.・ I don't understand the Japanese education

system. ・ What is required for a foreign national

to attend a Japanese university?

● Residency Matters For foreign nationals living in Japan who have concerns about legal issues related to residency procedures in Japan, etc.

・ I'm thinking about becoming a Japanese national. What are the requirements?・ I'd like to renew my status of residence.

Please tell me how.・ My Japanese husband passed away. Can

I talk to somebody about inheritance matters?・I'd like to start a company in Japan.・ I'd like to bring family members to Japan.

Is it possible?

Have you ever experienced a problem living in Japan due to differences in lifestyle, culture, etc.? We'd like to introduce you to some consultation organizations that can provide assistance and will supply an interpreter as necessary. We encourage you to take advantage of these services if you need them. A list of contacts is provided on page 2.

Educational counseling for foreigners

Consult with a gyoseishoshi (administrative scriveners) for foreign nationals

For issues such as these

★ Consultations are carried out at Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei Lounge and the Yokohama Associat ion for In ternat iona l Communicat ions and Exchanges (YOKE). See page 2 for details.

★ Consultations are carried out at Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei Lounge and the Yokohama Associat ion for Internat ional Communicat ions and Exchanges (YOKE). Free telephone consultat ions for foreign nat ionals are carried out by the Kanagawa-ken Gyoseishoshi Kai. See page 2 for details.

Ms. Yabusaki, a counselor

Mr. Morita, an administrative scrivener

First, Consult with Naka International Lounge

When you have an issue, first consult with Naka International Lounge. We will contact the appropriate organization, introduce you to a consultant, etc. We provide support so that you can consult in your native tongue. Supported languages: English, ChineseLounge Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (on Tuesdays and Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.)Closed Sept. 16 (Mon., National holiday), Oct. 20 (Sun), Nov. 17 (Sun.)＊ See page 2 for the location.Inquiries: 045-210-0667

"Come and talk to us" (Naka International Lounge staff)

Notice Renewal of the Naka Kuyakusyo Multilingual Website

Visit the new Naka Kuyakusyo website, which now has more event information. ★ New Content (updated monthly)・Highlights

Information on Naka Ward topics that will keep you interested.

・Event InformationInformation on events that everyone can enjoy.★ Available in Four Languages

English　http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/english/Chinese http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/chinese/Korean http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/hangeul/Easy Japanese　

http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/naka/japanese/

For issues such as these

Law

＊ ME-net is an NPO that provides support for the education of children with overseas ties.

Counselors from ME -net will provide counseling through an interpreter. Many of the counselors have an educational background, so please use this service with confidence.

For residency procedure matters such as marriage, divorce, calling family members to live in Japan, etc. it is important to consult with a specialist to obtain accurate information.

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Naka International LoungeCall for Participants in the Japanese

Classes for Newcomers

Beginner's level classes for Naka Ward residents age 16 or older. Students will be split into small groups for lessons according to Japanese level. Dates: Every Tuesday and Thursday, November19(Tue)–March 20(Thurs.) (30 classes), 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m.Cost: 6,000 yen (paid in advance)Capacity: 35 people (5 groups)Applications and Inquiries will be accepted from October 1 (Tue) by phone or in person at the Naka International Lounge Tel: 045-210-0667＊ A Japanese level check will be given.＊ Naka International Lounge has moved temporarily

to the sixth fl oor of the CERTE Building (until March 2015 (planned)). Refer to the map on the left.

List of Organizations That Can Consult in EnglishThe consulting organizations on this list can offer help directly in English or will arrange an interpreter to assist.

★ For Legal Consultations

Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei LoungeLegal consultation with a lawyer (interpreter available).Address: 10F, Urafune Fukugo Fukushi Shisetsu, 3-46 Urafunecho, Minami Ward (a 5-minute walk from Bandobashi Station on the Yokohama Municipal Subway)Hours: The second Thursday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m.Availability: English, Chinese, etc.Tel: 045-242-0888　Reservation required (made at least one week in advance)

★ For Consultations on Issues on Status of Residence Procedures (refer to page 1)

Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei LoungeLegal consultation with a gyoseishoshi (legal scrivener)Address: 10F, Urafune Fukugo Fukushi Shisetsu, 3-46 Urafunecho, Minami Ward (a 5-minute walk from Bandobashi Station on the Yokohama Municipal Subway)Hours: The third Thursday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m.Tel: 045-242-0888　Reservation required (made at least one week in advance)

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges (YOKE)Legal consultation with a gyoseishoshi (administrative scrivener) on issues such as Status of ResidenceAddress: Pacifi co Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku (5F of the Yokohama International Organization Center, a 5-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line)Hours: First Thursday of each month, 1:00–4:00 p.m. (counselors will provide assistance in English)Tel: 045-222-1209 (advance reservation required)

Kanagawa-ken Gyoseishoshi Kai (telephone consultations)Legal consultations on status of residence, etc. by administrative scrivenersHours: Fridays, 1:30–4:30 p.m. (consultations carried out in English)Tel: 045-227-5560

★ Housing Matters

Gaikokujin Sumai Support CenterFor persons searching for housing or having issues with a landlord or real estate agents.Location: ① on the map belowHours: Monday–Thursday, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and Fridays, 1:00–5:00 p.m. (However, afternoon hours only on the third Monday of each month)Tel: 045-228-1752

★ Consultations on Daily Life

Naka International LoungeConsultations on various matters related to living in Japan.Location: ② on the lower left mapHours: Monday–Sunday, 10:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. (to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays)Closed Sept. 16 (Mon., National holiday), Oct. 20 (Sun.), Nov. 17 (Sun.)Tel: 045-210-0667

★ Education Consultations (refer to page 1)

Minami Shimin Katsudo Tabunka Kyosei LoungeEducational consultations (interpreter available).Address: 10F, Urafune Fukugo Fukushi Shisetsu, 3-46 Urafunecho, Minami WardAvailability: Fourth Thursday of each month, 1:30–3:30 p.m.Tel: 045-242-0888 (reserve at least one week in advance)

Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges (YOKE)Consultations on your child's education or school life (interpreter available).Address: Pacifi co Yokohama, 1-1-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku (5F of the Yokohama International Organization Center, a 5-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line)Hours: Fourth Saturday of each month, 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.Tel: 045-222-1209 (reservation priority)

★ Consultations Regarding Domestic Violence DV

Kanagawa-ken Haigusha Boryoku Sodan Shien CenterConsultations about domestic violence by partnersHours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (Consultations until 4:00 p.m.)Tel: 050-1501-2803 (An appointment is required for consultation)

NakaWard Office

Yokohama Park

YokohamaStadiumYokohama

City Hall

JR Kannai Sta.

Kannai Sta.

(2nd Floor, YMCA)(2nd Floor, YMCA)

(CERTE 6F)(CERTE 6F)(CERTE 6F)

①

②

Blue Line, Yokohama Municipal Subway

←Sakuragi-cho Ishikawa-cho→North ExitNorth Exit

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Help Me Understand

Q&A

To enter a Yokohama Public Elementary School

Children born between April 2, 2007 and April 1, 2008 can start elementary school next year, from April 1, 2014. Households with children who are foreign nationals* will be sent「入学案内」(a nyugaku annai :guide to enrolling in school) in Japanese in September. If you plan to enroll your child in a public elementary school in Yokohama, please bring the 「 入 学 案 内 」 and the child’s Residence Card to the Toroku Tanto at Counter 22 (second floor) of the Naka Ward Office to enroll.A「入学案内」 will not be sent if the child is not registered as a resident. In such cases, please consult with an officer at Counter 22 (Toroku Tanto). * Children who are Japanese nationals will be

sent 「就学通知」（a shugaku tsuchi :notice of school enrollment) in mid-October. No registration procedures are required, but there is a health checkup. Please have your child take the checkup on the designated day.

Note: Children with dual nationality who will attend an international school should contact the Toroku Tanto.

＜ Naka Ward Office Toroku Tanto Tel: 045-224-8300＞

High-School Admission Guidance for Non-Native Speakers of Japanese (free interpretation service available)

An explanation meeting that provides information on types of high schools, entrance examinations for foreign nationals, costs of attending, etc. One-on-one consultation is available on site. Attendees will receive a guidebook on high-school admission (English or Japanese). ★ Monday, September 23 (national holiday),

1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.★ Nishi Community Hall (a 10-minute walk

from the Southwest Exit of Yokohama Station)＜ ME-net Tel: 045-516-8911＞

Application for April 2014 Daycare Starts Late-October

Daycare centers will look after children whose parents are working or have an illness that prevents looking after a child during the day. Daycare is available from the end of maternity leave until the start of elementary school, but different daycare facilities have different age ranges for the children in their care. Persons who wish to place their child in daycare from April 2014 must apply by post in November 21(Thurs) or apply in person at the ward office from November 22(Fri) to29(Fri). A lottery will be held according to City of Yokohama standards. First, please read the Guide to Entering City of Yokohama Daycare.The 2014 guide will be available from October 25(Fri) from the Kodomo Katei Shienka on the fifth floor of Naka Ward Office. The guide includes information on the required documents, how to apply, daycare costs, hours, basic programs, etc. Naka Ward also has Yokohama hoikushitsu, which are smaller daycares for children under three. Yokohama hoikushitsu accept a child as soon as an opening becomes available. ＜ Naka Ward Office Kodomo Katei

Shienka, Tel: 045-224-8189＞Free Screening for Cervical, Breast and Colorectal Cancer

The number one cause of death in Japan is cancer. However, some cancers are curable if found and treated early. Persons who turn the following ages between April 2, 2012 and April 1, 2013 will be sent a coupon (in Japanese) for a free screening. You can use this coupon until March 31, 2014. ● Cervical cancer screening: Women who turn

20・25・30・35・40 during the screening period

● Breast cancer screening: Women who turn　40・45・50・55・60 during the screening period

● Colorectal cancer screening: Those who turn 40・45・50・55・60 in the screening period.

First contact a clinic by phone for an appointment, telling them you want to use the coupon for the applicable screening. Included with the coupon is a list of medical institutions (in Japanese) at which the coupon is accepted. ＜ City of Yokohama Health Checkup

Telephone Line Tel: 045-664-2606＞Persons Wishing to Rent Municipal Housing or Prefecture Housing

Municipal Housing and Prefecture Housing is public housing with relatively low-cost rents. Conditions on the length of stay, household income, etc. apply. The General Information Desk on the first floor of the Naka Ward Office will distribute the guide Boshu no shiori (in Japanese) during the application period. The guide provides information on public housing, requirements, etc. ● Municipal Housing: Call for applicants

scheduled for October⇒ Yokohama-shi Jutaku Kyokyu Kosha Shiei-jutakuka, Tel: 045-451-7777

● Prefecture Housing: Call for applicants scheduled for November ⇒ Kanagawa-ken Tochi Tatemono Hozen Kyokai Koei-jutakuka, Tel: 045-201-3673

* If you cannot write in Japanese, the Gaikokujin Sumai Support Center (see page 2) can provide assistance.

Third Shi-kenminzei (Resident Tax) Payment Due Thursday, Oct. 31Persons who received「 納 税 通 知 書 」（a nozei tsuchisho :Notification of Taxes) for shi-kenminzei have until October 31 to pay the third installment. You can make your payment at banks, etc. or, if the payment slip has a bar code, at a convenience store. Arranging for automatic deduction from your bank account is also very convenient.

International Service StaffNaka Ward Office, Counter 22 (second floor)(English） 10:00 a.m.‒5:00 p.m.

International Service Staff provide assistance with matters such as guidance on ward office activities and interpretation at various counters, as well as support for filling out certificate applications.

38th Naka Ward MatsuriHello Yokohama 2013★ October 13 (Sun.), 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ★ Yokohama Park, Nihon-

odori(Nihon-odori Station, South Exit of Kannai Station)

Music performances, Food and goods stalls, And more!

● Have at least three days' worth of drinking water and food ready

＊ When the Use By date approaches, eat your supplies and then restock.

● Place important items in a backpack and leave it in an easily accessible location

Include things such as a flashlight (don't forget extra batteries), a portable AM/FM radio, drinking water, food, a copy of your Residence Card.

● Secure furniture to prevent it from tipping over

Many people have died after being trapped by furniture that tipped over.

● Know where to evacuateFor life-threatening fires→ Evacuation AreasDesignated areas in the Naka Ward area: Yokohama Park, Yamashita Park, Honmoku Sancho Park, Negishi Shinrin Park, Minato no Mieru Oka Park, Momijigaoka neighborhood, Nogeyama Park.When your home has collapsed or burned → Evacuation ShelterEach area has a designated evacuation center. Confirm where the evacuation center is with a neighbor. Evacuation centers hold an annual evacuation drill. Join the drill and get to know the people in your neighborhood so you'll know what to do.

I understand that Japan has a lot of earthquakes. I’m worried about what to do if a major earthquake happened now. → We can not tell when the great earthquake occurs. Let's make preparation for it from usually

to protect yourself and your family.

Naka Ward Office, Soumuka, Counter 61 (sixth floor) Tel: 045-224-8112

Drinking water (3 liters per person per day)

Food (crackers, canned food and other items that don't require cooking)

Emergency toilet set (containing coagulant, disposal bags, etc. Sold at home centers.)

Secure with tension rods

Use sticky mats

＊ Sold at home centers.

Earthquake Disaster Information Center for Foreign Residents in Yokohama　 Tel: 045-222-1209

If a major earthquake occurs, a multilingual disaster countermeasures headquarters will be set up to provide information to foreigners on the disaster situation and the reestablishment of lifelines. Register this number on your mobile phone.

　

Please visit!

●Responses to inquiries will be in Japanese unless it is clearly indicated that the response should be in English or Chinese.● Yokohama publishes excerpts from its monthly public relations newsletter, Koho Yokohama, in several languages on its website. Yokohama

website information is also available in Chinese or English as a machine translation. See the top of www.city.yokohama.lg.jp for multilingual access.

English　

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K i n p i r a m a k e s f re q u e n t appearances at the Japanese dinner table. It complements both meat and fish dishes. You can buy prepared kinpira at a supermarket or convenience store. You can also buy a precut burdock and carrot mix in bags to save the trouble of cutting. ★ Ingredients (serves 3–4 people) One burdock root, 1/3 of a carrot, one red chili, a small amount of white sesame seeds, seasonings (2t sake, 1.5T each of sugar, soy sauce and mirin).★ How to Make1. Using the dull edge of the knife, scrape off the skin on

the burdock. Cut into four-centimeter pieces, then slice lengthwise into thin strips. Place the cut burdock in a water-filled bowl. Cut the carrot into strips of the same size.

2. Oil a pot or frypan and stir fry the burdock and carrot. 3. Add the chili (omit if you don't like chili) and continue

to stir fry. When the vegetables become soft, add the seasonings and continue to cook. It's ready when the liquid has disappeared. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top to complete.

Go for a Visit

I was asked to volunteer to read stories to children, and I went to a Japanese library for the first time to look for a book. I asked the counter staff how to get a library card. I simply had to fill in my name, address and telephone number, and show my health insurance card (that is identification to confirm my name and address). I was surprised at how easy it was. The reading room had desks lined up, and everyone was reading quietly. When someone finished reading, they would quietly get up return their book to its original location on the shelf̶everyone was quiet. It is the same in any country. The library had books not only in Japanese, but also in Chinese, English, Korean and other languages. There were many genres, such as novels, history books and manga. It's also convenient for checking things. I wanted to borrow a picture book, so I went to the children's corner, looking over various books before picking one and going to the checkout counter. Checking out the book was also very easy. One person can borrow up to six books for two weeks, which is great. Did you know that there's a picture book reading group? If you listen with your child, you'll be able to study Japanese as well. You should definitely attend. (A Chinese Naka International Lounge staff member)

Unsure about How to Use the Library…

Thoughts of a Naka Foreign Resident

Life and Culture in Japan

Kinpira Gobo(Chopped Burdock)

Enjoy Japanese Culture in the Autumn at Sakeien Garden

A Japanese Standard

Next issue is scheduled to be published on December 1. 2013.

Industrialist Sankei Hara established the vast Sankeien Garden more than 100 years ago. Among the rich greenery are temples and teahouses that were relocated here from across Japan. Enjoy a stroll in the thoroughly Japanese atmosphere.

■Harvest Moon Viewing 9/19 (Thu.) to 9/ 23 (Mon., national holiday) ＊ Open at night! In the old Japanese calendar August 15 (September 19 this year), people would hold moon-viewing parties to watch the full moon. Sankeien will be open late during this period (until 8:30 p.m.) and buildings lit up. Why not take an evening walk while enjoying a full moon. Classic Japanese music and dance will also be held at the Rinshunkaku building. Enjoy this very Japanese atmosphere.

Entry: 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission: 500 yen (200 yen for elementary school students) Closest bus stop: A 7-minute walk from Honmoku bus stop (Yokohama City Bus No. 58, 99 or 101) or a 5-minute walk from Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop (Yokohama City Bus No. 8 or 148) Tel: 045-621-0634 ＊ English pamphlet available

The three-story pagoda is lit up to fantastical effect.

Classic Japanese music and dance event will also be held.

■ Traditional Buildings Open During Autumn

11/23 (Sat., national holiday) to 12/15 (Sun.) During late fall, Sankeien is beautifully ablaze with the colors of autumn, as the leaves of the trees in the park turn red and yellow. Normally closed areas are open for strolls at this time, allowing you to enjoy the traditional fall Japanese landscape.

■ Chrysanthemum Flower Exhibition

10/26 (Sat.)～11/23 (Sat., national holiday) Chrysanthemums are the representative flower of Japan. Japan has a long history of breeding large, well-shaped varieties. Come see different, beautiful kinds of chrysanthemums. Various shapes of chrysanthemums will

be exhibited.

Enjoy Tea at the Sankei KinenkanEnjoy traditional tea ceremony. Kimono-clad staff will serve matcha tea. 500 yen (with Japanese sweets)

Choshukaku, built some 390 years ago

Japanese sweets: matcha (lower left) and rakugan (upper right)

This dish appears on elementary school lunch menus.

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