Introduction
Many fathers and mothers who came from overseas and are raising children in Japan visit the ISOGO International Lounge. A wide range of inquiries are received, including procedures related to childbirth registration, applying for childcare facilities, and support for children’s learning.
We understand how overwhelming it can feel to give birth and raise a child in a country with different cultures, laws, and a language other than your own. That’s why we’ve put together this booklet with helpful information—from pregnancy and childbirth all the way through to high school graduation—to support and guide you throughout your parenting journey in Japan.
We hope you’ll take a look and read through it. If this booklet helps reduce even a little bit of your worries, we’ll be very happy. And if there’s anything you don’t understand, please feel free to visit the ISOGO International Lounge. We’re always here, ready to support you.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Parenting Flowchart for Foreign Residents
- Pregnancy and Childbirth
- Before Entering Elementary School (Infancy and Early Childhood)
- From Elementary to High School
- Other Information
- ISOGO International Lounge
- Consultation Services and Disaster Preparedness
Parenting Flowchart for Foreign Residents
Parenting in Japan～From pregnancy to enrolling in elementary school～
（External links, Kanagawa International Foundation）
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Let’s Use Yokohama City’s Childcare Support App “Pamatoco”
“Pamatoco” is Yokohama City’s official app for parenting support. It helps you check the necessary procedures before and after childbirth, apply for financial support, and manage vaccination schedules. You can also receive notifications from Yokohama City through the app. Once you find out you are pregnant, register your information in Pamatoco.
Pamatoco
If you have trouble entering your information, please consult the ISOGO International Lounge.
Let’s Wear a Maternity Mark
What is the Maternity Mark?
The first trimester of pregnancy is very important not only for the baby’s growth but also for maintaining the mother’s health.
This mark helps pregnant women show others they are pregnant when using public transportation or other services.
Please use it when commuting, going to medical check-ups, or other outings.
Where can you get the Maternity Mark?
You will receive the Maternity Mark when you are issued your Maternal and Child Health Handbook at the Public Health and Welfare Center in your ward.
Some railway companies also provide it at stations as part of their services.
When Your Child Suddenly Gets Sick at Night, on Sundays, or on Holidays
Night Emergency Medical Center (Every day from 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM)
If you or your child suddenly becomes sick at night, you can go here. It is open every day.
Yokohama City Night Emergency Center (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT)
Phone: 045-212-3535
Consultation Hours: 8:00 PM to 12:00 AM
*Reception starts at 7:30 PM
Address: 1-1 Sakuragicho, Naka Ward
List of Yokohama City Nighttime Emergency Centers→here
Holiday Emergency Clinic (Sundays, National Holidays, December 30 to January 3)
If you or your child suddenly becomes sick on a Sunday or a holiday, you can go here.
Isogo Ward Holiday Emergency Clinic (Internal Medicine, Pediatrics)
Phone: 045-753-6011
Reception Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM）
Address: 1-3-13 Isogo, Isogo Ward
List of Yokohama City Holiday Emergency Clinics→here
Before Entering Elementary School (Infancy and Early Childhood)
Isogo Ward Local Child Rearing Support Center “Isopiyo”
The name of Isogo Ward’s local child rearing support center is “Isopiyo.” It is a one-minute walk from JR Isogo Station.
Local child rearing support center provides a space where preschool children and their guardians can come to play, meet others, consult about child-rearing, and obtain information on child-rearing. These facilities are free to use upon registration.
Yokohama Childcare Support System
The Yokohama Childcare Support System matches parents who need childcare with people who can provide it. (Interpreter services are available.)
You can leave your child in care on an hourly basis . (Fees apply.)
Prenatal and Postpartum Helper Service（Fees apply）
About the “Maternity Helper”
A “Maternity Helper” is someone who helps with household chores (such as cooking, cleaning, and more) , as well as baby care.
If you need support during pregnancy or within four months after giving birth, a “Maternity Helper” from a company commissioned by Yokohama City can visit your home to assist you.
Service Hours and Fees
•Available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Each session is up to 2 hours, and you can use the service up to twice a day.
•You can use the service up to 20 times in total. If you gave birth to twins, triplets, or more, you can use it up to 40 times.
•The fee is 1,500 yen per session. There may be discounts, so please confirm when you apply.
How to Apply：Apply at the Child and Family Support Section of the ward office where you live.
Parent and Child Plazas（Fees apply）
These are spaces where young children (around 0 to 3 years old) and their guardians, as well as pregnant women and their families, can access these spaces. You can play with your child, get parenting advice, and receive information.
At places with a ● symbol, you can also leave your child for a short time.
Parent and Child Plaza Yumehiroba ●
Near Keikyu Sugita Station!
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Parent and Child Plaza Yumetama ●
Located in Negishibashi Shopping Street
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Kosodate Kiddy Yokodai ●
Near JR Yokodai Station!
Open: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Kids Space Makana ●
Near Tanaka Bus Stop!
Open: Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Parent and Child Plaza Dakko
Near Keikyu Byobugaura Station!
Open: Monday to Friday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Kosodate Spot Kusukusu●
Near JR Negishi Station!
Open: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
WEB Instagram
Facilities for Children Before Entering Elementary School
Daycare Centers and Kindergartens
In Japan, there are facilities children can attend before starting elementary school. These are largely classified into daycare centers (hoikusho or hoikuen) and kindergartens (youchien). Certain eligibility requirements must be met to enroll in a daycare center.
| Daycare Center | Kindergarten | |
| Age | Age 0 to entering school | 3 years old up to entering school |
| Hours | 11 hours or 8 hours | Standard 4 hours |
| Application Conditions | Yes (you must need childcare due to work, illness, school, etc.) | None |
| Application | Ward office or facility | At the Kindergarten |
Childcare and Education Concierge
If you are looking for a daycare center or kindergarten for your child before they enter elementary school, you can consult with the concierge. If you have difficulty understanding Japanese, you can also consult with the ISOGO International Lounge.
Childcare and Education Concierge Phone: 045-750-2435
Experiences When Choosing a Nursery School or Kindergarten
ISOGO International Lounge Staff A
By improving my Japanese, I was able to make friends with other moms, and they shared a lot of helpful information with me.
I came to Japan and gave birth to my eldest son while studying in a Japanese language class. When my son was 1 year and 9 months old, I found a part-time job and started looking for a daycare center. First, I went to the ward office and received a list of daycare centers. I called them and found a daycare center that I could reach by bicycle. Although I couldn’t speak Japanese well yet, they explained things to me in an easy-to-understand manner. I was really moved by how kind and supportive the daycare staff were. My work hours were from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. When my child got a fever, they let me take time off work. When my son was 4 years old, we had to transfer him to a different daycare center due to my husband’s job relocation. I looked through the guidebook and map I got from the new ward office and searched for a daycare or kindergarten we could commute to. After visiting by bicycle, I decided on the daycare. I have fond memories of exploring the new town with my son.
By working, my Japanese improved. Because my Japanese got better, I was able to make friends with other Japanese mothers. They told me lots of useful information I couldn’t have found on my own. If you’re going to live in Japan, we encourage you to study Japanese and enjoy your life here.
ISOGO International Lounge Staff B
I have a son who is currently in the second year of junior high school and a daughter in the second year of elementary school.
I gave birth to both of them in Japan. When I had my son, I was not working. I raised him at home until he was three years old. When he turned three, I enrolled him in kindergarten. I decided to enroll him after another mother whose child was the same age invited me to go to the kindergarten interview together. During the interview, they asked about my son’s favorite toys and foods. I also remember being asked, “What language do you speak at home?”
After starting kindergarten, my son made many friends. I also became friends with some of the Japanese mothers. We went out for meals, had conversations, and made many good memories.
Even though I couldn’t speak Japanese well, the teachers and other mothers were very kind to me. Don’t be afraid, just try to talk.
From Elementary to High School
Japanese Language Learning
In Isogo Ward, there are Japanese language classes run by volunteers. At ISOGO International Lounge, we provide information on Japanese language classes and ways to learn Japanese. On our website, we also post interviews with organizers of Japanese language classes in Isogo Ward. Please find a class that suits you!
Study Support for Children
There are study support classes where volunteers help children who are not fluent in Japanese with their school subjects. There are also free schools that support children after they graduate from junior high school as they prepare for high school entrance exams. It is very challenging for children who don’t speak Japanese as their first language to continue on to higher education in Japan. Don’t struggle alone, please consult with us.
Graduating from High School is Important
There are children in Isogo Ward who have come from other countries and are now studying in Japan. Many parents have either just brought their children to Japan or came together as a family. For parents, living together may feel like reaching a goal. But for the children, it is just the beginning. We hope that this is a hopeful new start for them.
As children grow up, you may start worrying about their future. If a child who came from another country graduates from a Japanese high school and finds a job, there is a chance they can change their residence status from a “Dependent Visa” to a “Long-Term Resident Visa.” They can also go on to university. It’s okay even if they came to Japan after graduating from junior high school in their home country. Even if they came to Japan after leaving high school, there are still options for them. There are NPOs that can help. No matter what happens, don’t give up, please reach out and consult with us. There are always people around who will help you. Let’s think together about how we can ensure the happiness of the children.
Multicultural Coexistence Spot World Kids
Director Hiroko Oh
Other Information
Children’s Residence Status
There is something that children with a “Dependent Visa” residence status and their parents need to know. If your child graduates from high school and starts working, it may be possible to change their residence status. It’s important to start thinking early about what kind of status you want for your child. If you don’t understand, consult a professional, you can seek advice from a professional, such as through a free consultation with an administrative scrivener. There are also consultation sessions for foreigners. If you don’t know how to consult or feel uneasy because you don’t understand Japanese, please consult the ISOGO International Lounge. They will connect you to a professional.
Flowchart of “Visa & Career Pathways” for Foreign Students after High School Graduation（Produced and issued by the Kanagawa Prefecture Administrative Scrivener Association）
Free Consultation for Foreigners in 5 Languages（Produced and issued by the Kanagawa Prefecture Administrative Scrivener Association）
About Developmental Disabilities
According to a 2020 survey by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, 8.8% of elementary and junior high school students may have developmental disabilities. This corresponds to more than 700,000 students in public elementary and junior high schools nationwide.
If you notice anything concerning about your child, seek professional advice as soon as possible.
Child and Family Consultation 045-750-2525
Isogo Ward Core Consultation Support Center (Isogo Community Activity Home Ibuki) 045-778-6635
Raising Children Without Corporal Punishment
In Japan, corporal punishment when disciplining children was legally banned in 2020. The national guideline ” Raising Children Without Corporal Punishment – Building a Society that Supports Parenting Together-” states the following.
Why is corporal punishment wrong?
・If corporal punishment is used repeatedly, it can have various negative effects on the child’s physical and mental growth and development.
・This has also been scientifically proven.
Are you doing any of these?
・You warned your child several times, but they didn’t listen, so you slapped them.
・You made them sit in a kneeling position for a long time because they were misbehaving
・You made them go without dinner because they didn’t do their homework
＞All of these are considered corporal punishment.
※Actions to protect the child, such as grabbing a child’s hand when they are about to run into the street, are not included.
Source: Children and Families Agency, Leaflet “For Parenting Without Corporal Punishment – A Society that Supports Childcare Together -“
If you are struggling with parenting, consult a specialist.
Child and Family Consultation 045-750-2525
ISOGO International Lounge
The ISOGO International Lounge offers a consultation service for foreign residents. It also provides information on daily life and Japanese language learning and hosts various events.
Address: 3rd Floor, Hamada Building, 3-4-23 Isogo, Isogo Ward, Yokohama City
Phone: 045-367-8492
Consultation Service
We offer consultations on daily life issues. If the problem is complicated, we can introduce you to an expert who can help. Please feel free to come and consult with us.
Information Service
We provide information about Japanese language classes, academic support classes for children, as well as general daily life information.
Events in the Multipurpose Space
The ISOGO International Lounge hosts events open to foreign residents.
ISOGO Community Playgroup
Once a month, on Tuesday mornings, we hold a parent-child play session. Children up to 4 years old and their fathers and mothers can join. It’s free of charge.
Study Sessions During Long School Holidays (Summer, Winter, Spring)
During long school holidays, we provide a study room where children can do homework or study Japanese. Volunteers assist children with their studies.
Thursday Night Conversation Meet-Up
「At the “Conversation Meet-Up,” we talk in simple Japanese. Foreigners learning Japanese and Japanese people gather to talk about Japanese culture, customs, and the cultural differences between their home countries. It’s held every Thursday night. No registration required. Free of charge.
Information Session for Parents of Children Starting Junior High School
Every year between February and March, ISOGO International Lounge holds an information session for parents whose children are entering junior high school. The session is led by foreign staff members who have raised children in Japan.
We explain what to prepare for entering school, school life, school lunches, participation in the PTA, which also functions as a social education organization in Japan, children’s studies, and entrance exams. We also answer individual questions.
Consultation Services and Disaster Preparedness
Consultation Services at the Ward Office
There is a specialized consultation service where you can talk about your concerns when raising children. To begin, you can call or email the Child and Family Support Division. It is okay if you do not understand Japanese. Interpretation can be arranged for consultations. If you can speak Japanese, call the dedicated line.
Child and Family Consultation
045-750-2525 Email：is-kodomokatei@city.yokohama.lg.jp
Reception hours: Monday to Friday / 8:45 – 17:15 (excluding holidays, weekends, and year-end/new year holidays)
You can consult by phone or in person about various issues from pregnancy and infancy to adolescence. Midwives are also available.
Dedicated Lines (Japanese)
――About Health and Diet――
About Health and Diet 045-750-2448
You can get advice on breastfeeding, including how to breastfeed or use formula, and the process of weaning.
Women’s Health Consultation 045-750-2448
You can consult about contraception, family planning, menstruation, infertility, menopause, and other related topics.
Dental Consultation for Infants, and Pregnant/Postpartum Women 045-750-2448
Dental check-ups, consultations, and tooth brushing advice are available for children from 0 year old to preschool age, as well as for pregnant and postpartum women.
Children’s Dietary Consultation 045-750-2446
You can consult about dietary concerns such as weaning foods, picky eating, poor appetite, and food allergies. This is a one-on-one consultation with a nutritionist.
Weaning Class 045-750-2446
[Intro to Weaning Class] Target: Children aged 2 to 6 months
[Mogu-Mogu Baby Weaning Class] Target: Children aged 7 to 9 months
You can learn about how to progress with weaning foods, see a cooking demonstration, and have a consultation. There is also a dental hygienist’s talk about tooth brushing.
――About Childcare Facilities――
Childcare and Education Concierge 045-750-2435
You can get information and consultation about childcare facilities for preschool children (licensed daycare centers, kindergartens, temporary childcare services, etc.).
――About Child Development――
Child Consultation 045-750-2448
Developmental consultation staff will listen to concerns about your child’s development, such as delayed speech or hyperactivity.
Consultation for Children with Disabilities 045-750-2439
You can consult about welfare services and other matters concerning children with disabilities.
――About Daily Life――
Single-Parent Household Consultation 045-750-2475
You can consult about systems that support the lives of single-parent households.
Women’s Welfare Consultation 045-750-2436
You can consult about violence against women or various personal concerns.
Consultation Services Outside the Ward Office
Isogo Ward Core Consultation Support Center (Isogo Community Activity Home Ibuki)
045-778-6635
Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
People with disabilities or their families can consult here. There is also a gathering space called “Ibukids” for preschool children whose development is a concern and their parents.
Kanagawa Children and Family 110 Consultation LINE
ID「@kana_kodomo110」
●Monday to Saturday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm (excluding year-end and New Year holidays)
We offer free consultations about parent-child relationships, family issues, parenting anxieties, and other concerns related to children. We welcome not only parents but also children themselves.
Disaster Prevention in Japan (Disaster Preparedness)
Japan is a country with many earthquakes. There is also a lot of heavy rain and typhoons. Disasters can happen at any time. It is necessary for you and your family to be prepared. Please check the disaster prevention information from the ISOGO International Lounge.
にほん での さいがい よぼう にほんご
在日防灾手册 中文
Disaster Prevention in Japan English
일본에서의 재해 예방법 한국어
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