Works from the Mie Prefectural Art Museum’s collection are on display with explanations in “Easy Japanese.” The display also includes prints by Sutemi Kubo, which were newly acquired in fiscal 2025. “Easy Japanese” is simplified Japanese that is easy to understand, including for people who are learning the language. Enjoy art in “Easy Japanese.”

• Name

FY2026 Museum Collection III

“Collection Highlights,” “Printmaking Basics 1,” and “New Acquisitions: Sutemi Kubo”

For information about the works on display, please visit this page.

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/art-museum/000315200.htm

• Dates

September 8, 2026 (Tuesday) through December 27, 2026 (Sunday)

• Hours

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

• Closed

Mondays (open on November 23) and November 24

• Admission

Adults: ¥310 | Students: ¥210 | Children through high school age: Free (¥0)

Free (¥0) for visitors with a disability certificate and one accompanying person

※Separate admission is required for special exhibitions. Please ask at the reception desk.

※This admission also includes access to “Y² project: Katsunori Mizuno—Engraved Time, Shifting Forms.”

• Location and Contact

Mie Prefectural Art Museum

11 Otani-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-0007

Phone: 059-227-2100

Email: bijutsu★pref.mie.lg.jp (replace ★ with @)

The post Mie Prefectural Art Museum: Collection Display with “Easy Japanese” Explanations appeared first on Mie Info.

The Yoshitatsu Yanagihara Memorial Hall at the Mie Prefectural Art Museum is hosting an exhibition of video and sculpture works.

Katsunori Mizuno, who is from Mie Prefecture, creates video and photographic works. For this exhibition, his works are presented alongside sculptures by Yoshitatsu Yanagihara from the museum’s collection.

This special exhibition brings together two different media—video and sculpture—to create a dialogue that reveals new appeal in the work of both artists. We hope you enjoy it.

• Exhibition title

Y² project Mizuno Katsunori – Temporal Carvings, Wavering Forms

▼Please visit the page below for more information.

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/art-museum/000314158.htm

※The page is in Japanese, so please use a translation function to read it.

• Dates

September 1 (Tuesday) through December 27 (Sunday), 2026

• Hours

9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (admission allowed until 4:30 p.m.)

• Closed

Mondays (open on November 23) and November 24

• Admission

Adults: 310 yen | Students: 210 yen | Children through high school age: free (0 yen)

Visitors with a disability certificate and one accompanying person: free (0 yen)

※A separate fee is required to view the special exhibition. Please ask at the reception desk.

※This admission fee also includes access to “FY 2026 Museum Collection III.”

• Location and inquiries

Mie Prefectural Art Museum

11 Otani-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-0007

Tel: 059-227-2100

Email: bijutsu★pref.mie.lg.jp (replace ★ with @)

The post Mie Prefectural Art Museum Presents the “Y² project Mizuno Katsunori” Exhibition appeared first on Mie Info.

An exhibition featuring Lucie Rie (1902–1995), one of the leading British ceramic artists of the 20th century, is now on view. Born in Vienna, Rie pursued a career in ceramics before moving to the United Kingdom in 1938, where she continued creating works in London. Known for their beautiful forms and vivid colors, her works remain beloved by many people today. In addition to approximately 70 works by Lucie Rie, the exhibition features around 50 works by related artists and explores her connections with East Asian ceramics.

• Exhibition title

Lucie Rie Elegant Vessels Fusing East and West

▼ For more information, please visit the page below.

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/art-museum/000314637.htm

※This page is in Japanese. Please use a translation feature to read it.

• Dates

September 26, 2026 (Saturday) through December 13, 2026 (Sunday)

• Hours

9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (admission until 4:30 p.m.)

• Closed

Mondays (open on November 23), and November 24

• Admission

Adults: 1,200 (1,000) yen | Students: 1,000 (800) yen | High school students and younger: Free

• The prices in parentheses are the group rates for groups of 20 or more.
• These admission fees also include access to the permanent exhibition.
• Students must present a student ID or other proof of enrollment.
• Admission is free for visitors with a disability certificate or equivalent, including certificates in app form, and one accompanying person.
• On Family Day (November 15), visitors may attend at the group rate.
• Contact

Mie Prefectural Art Museum

11 Otani-cho, Tsu, Mie 514-0007

Phone: 059-227-2100

Email: bijutsu★pref.mie.lg.jp (replace ★ with @)

The post Mie Prefectural Art Museum: “Lucie Rie Exhibition” Now Open appeared first on Mie Info.

The taxes you pay are essential for providing public services such as maintaining roads and parks, and operating schools and fire departments. If people fail to pay their taxes by the designated due date, public services may not be provided adequately, and fairness toward those who pay their taxes can no longer be maintained.

Mie Prefecture is thoroughly enforcing legally mandated collection procedures against people who fail to pay their taxes despite having money or other assets. November and December have been designated as the “Intensified Prefectural Tax Enforcement Months.” During these two months, all eight prefectural tax offices in Mie will carry out seizures of assets belonging to people who have not paid their taxes.

A wide range of assets may be seized, including “claims” such as wages, accounts receivable, bank deposits and savings, and life insurance policies, as well as automobiles and real estate.

When an automobile is seized, a “tire lock” may be installed to prevent it from being moved. Seized automobiles, real estate, and other assets are sold through online auctions, and the proceeds are applied toward delinquent taxes.

The authorities may also conduct a “search” to locate assets and seize them. Although November and December are the “Intensified Prefectural Tax Enforcement Months,” seizures are also carried out during other months.

If you have not yet paid your prefectural taxes, please pay them immediately.

Prefectural tax offices can provide assistance only in Japanese. If you have difficulty consulting with them in Japanese, please contact Mie Foreign Residents Consultation Support Center (MieCo“Mieko”).

Phone: 080-3300-8077 *Multilingual support available

Monday through Friday (excluding public holidays), 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

(For reference)

〇 Main prefectural taxes: automobile tax, individual business tax, real estate acquisition tax, etc.

〇 Number of seizures carried out in fiscal 2025: 3,517

Contact (Japanese only)

Mie Prefecture Department of General Affairs, Tax Revenue Security Division

TEL: 059-224-2131

The post November and December Are Months of Intensified Prefectural Tax Enforcement appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefectural Museum (MieMu) will hold its 45th special exhibition, “Vehicles for Everyone: Mie’s Railways Galore,” from Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of Mie Prefecture, the exhibition looks back at the region’s history while bringing together the railways that continue to serve Mie today. Other forms of transportation, including ropeways, will also be featured. The event offers plenty for visitors of all ages, including rides on various miniature trains and displays of railway toys.

1. Exhibition title

Special Exhibition “Vehicles for Everyone: Mie’s Railways Galore”

▼For more information, please visit the page below.

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/MieMu/p0031300137.htm

※This page is in Japanese. Please use a translation feature to view it.

2. Exhibition period

Saturday, October 24, 2026, through Sunday, February 28, 2027

3. Hours

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 4:30 p.m.)

4. Days closed

Every Monday (or the following weekday if Monday is a public holiday); year-end and New Year holidays (December 28–January 4)

5. Admission

Adults: ¥1,000 (¥800); students: ¥600 (¥480); high school students and younger: free

• The prices in parentheses are the group rates for parties of 20 or more.
• The permanent exhibition requires a separate admission fee. Combination tickets for both exhibitions are also available.
• Admission is free for visitors with a disability certificate or similar documentation, as well as for one accompanying caregiver.
• On the third Sunday of each month, in observance of “Family Day,” visitors can enter at the group-discount rate.

6. Inquiries

Mie Prefectural Museum (MieMu)

Tel.: 059-228-2283　Fax: 059-229-8310　Email: MieMu@pref.mie.lg.jp

〒514-0061　3060 Isshindenkamitsubata, Tsu, Mie

https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/MieMu/

The post Mie Prefectural Museum (MieMu) to Hold Special Exhibition “Vehicles for Everyone: Mie’s Railways Galore” appeared first on Mie Info.

One hundred years ago, a boy left Fukuoka Prefecture, crossed the ocean, and traveled to Brazil.

A century later, his great-granddaughter, Marina Hashimoto, an international exchange coordinator for Mie Prefecture and a Japanese Brazilian, retraced her great-grandfather’s journey.

The port from which her great-grandfather left Japan as a boy.

And a single name preserved on an immigrant ship’s passenger list.

Piece by piece, the story of her great-grandfather emerges through records from 100 years ago.

What came into view was more than the history of one family.

It was the history built by Japanese immigrants who traveled from Japan to Brazil.

And the deep ties between Japan and Brazil that continue to this day.

Through the story of the Hashimoto family, discover the roots of Japanese Brazilians and the 100-year story of the ties that have connected Japan and Brazil.

• Read “The Story Connecting Japan and Brazil”

The post A Japanese Brazilian Traces Their Roots – 100 Years Ago, a Boy Forged a Story Connecting Japan and Brazil – appeared first on Mie Info.

The Mie Prefectural Art Museum is holding an exhibition of the calligrapher Sakaki Bakuzan (1926–2010), who was born in Iga (Mie).

The exhibition features a total of 108 works, including calligraphy pieces from his student days, works that combine poetry, calligraphy, and painting, as well as collaborations with other artists—showcasing the full charm of Bakuzan’s art.

Take this opportunity to visit the Mie Prefectural Art Museum.

Period: April 4, 2026 (Saturday) to May 31, 2026 (Sunday)

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:30 PM)

Closed: Every Monday (except May 4, when it will be open), and May 7 (Thursday)

Addmission:

Adults: 800 yen (600 yen)

Students: 600 yen (400 yen)

High school students and younger: Free

• Prices in parentheses apply to groups of 20 or more.
• This ticket also allows entry to the permanent exhibition.
• Students must present a student ID or similar document.
• Persons with a disability certificate (including app-based certificates) and one companion are admitted free of charge.
• On Family Days (April 19 and May 17), admission will be charged at the group rate.

Access: About a 10-minute walk from the west exit of Tsu Station (Kintetsu / JR)

Information / Contact
Mie Prefectural Art Museum (Mie Kenritsu Bijutsukan – 三重県立美術館)
〒514-0007 Mie-ken Tsu-shi Otani-cho 11
Tel: 059-227-2100
E-mail: bijutsu★pref.mie.lg.jp (substitute the symbol ★ for @)
Official website: https://www.bunka.pref.mie.lg.jp/art-museum/

Featured Works:

• 土 – Tsuchi (Soil) – Year of production unknown

• かに – Kani (Crab) – 1994

• 野蕗 – Nobuki (Wild Butterbur) – 2008

• 天平ノ首飾Ⅱ – Tempyo-no-Kubikazari II (Tenpyō Era Necklace II) – 1994

The post Sakaki Bakuzan: 100 Years Since His Birth and 150 Years of Mie Prefecture appeared first on Mie Info.

To help foreign residents live more safely and with peace of mind, the “Mie Prefecture Welcome Guide” has been created. It contains useful information about daily life rules, procedures, and important guidance for disaster situations.

For more details, please visit the Mie Prefecture website:
https://www.pref.mie.lg.jp/IRIS/HP/m0052600309.htm

Contents

• Rules and procedures for living in Japan
• Useful information in case of disasters, illness, or injury
• Information about studying the Japanese language
• Guidance on consultation services for foreigners, and more

Available Languages

Simple Japanese / English / Vietnamese / Portuguese / Filipino / Chinese (Simplified) / Indonesian / Nepali / Spanish / Thai

About Printed Distribution

The guide is distributed at the Mie Prefectural Office and municipal offices within Mie Prefecture, but quantities are limited.
For more information, please contact your local city or town office.

Contact

Mie Prefecture – Diversity Promotion Division, Multicultural Coexistence Team

(三重県　ダイバーシティ社会推進課　多文化共生班)

TEL: 059-222-5974

E-mail: tabunka@pref.mie.lg.jp

The post Welcome Guide from Mie Prefecture for Foreign Residents appeared first on Mie Info.

The Japan Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) has prepared the “Life and Work Guide,” a resource that gathers useful information so that foreigners can live and work safely and peacefully in Japan.

The guide is available in 19 languages, including simplified Japanese (やさしい日本語).
Access:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/index.html

Examples of content from the Life and Work Guide

• Chapter 2: Procedures for marriage and divorce in Japan
• Chapter 3: Employment contract, maternity/paternity leave, unemployment insurance
• Chapter 4: Procedures when a baby is born in Japan, one-time birth and raising benefit
• Chapter 5: Japanese education system
• Chapter 7: Retirement (pension), long-term care insurance, childcare, disability assistance and social assistance (seikatsu hogo)
• Chapter 8: Residential tax, car tax, property tax
• Chapter 9: What to do in case of a traffic accident
• Chapter 12: Rules and customs of daily life, such as waste separation and disposal

This “Life and Work Guide” contains even more detailed information than that presented in the “Life Guidance” videos produced by the same agency

The post Notice regarding the “Life and Work Guide” useful for those living in Japan appeared first on Mie Info.

The Japan Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁) has produced a series of videos called “Life Guidance,” where you can learn about the rules and customs of life in Japan.

The videos are available in 17 languages.

Watch and enjoy this resource:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/coexistence/04_00078.html

Learn the rules of Japan

Learn the traffic rules in Japan and live safely.

It is also important to know the rules of coexistence and Japanese customs to build good relationships with people in your region.

• About traffic rules: Chapter 2 (Traffic Rules)
• About rules of life: Chapters 3 and 4 (Rules of Life)

Learn about immigration and address procedures

To live in Japan and receive public services, it is necessary to correctly complete immigration and address registration procedures.

In the videos, you can learn about residency status, length of stay, change of address, and the My Number card.

• Chapter 7 (Immigration and Address Procedures)

Understanding the tax and social security system

When applying for a change of residency status or renewal of the length of stay, it is necessary to have taxes and social security contributions paid correctly.
Otherwise, this may negatively influence the evaluation and lead to the refusal of renewal or change of visa.

• Health insurance: Chapter 8 (Health Insurance System)
• Retirement system: Chapter 9 (Pension System)
• Tax system: Chapter 10 (Taxes)

Learn about medical services

In case of illness or injury, it is important to know how and where to seek medical care.

• Chapter 5 (Medical Institutions)

Learn the rules and systems for working safely

To work safely in Japan, it is essential to know the work systems and rules.

The videos explain about opening a bank account, types of contracts, rules about salary and working hours, among others.

• Chapter 11 (Employment and Work)

Learn how to protect yourself in emergencies and disasters

In emergency or disaster situations, it is important to know emergency numbers, prevention measures and evacuation methods to protect your life and the lives of those around you.

• Chapter 6 (Emergencies and Disasters)

In addition, there is also information about learning Japanese, consultation centers and much more.

Watch the videos and take advantage of this information!

Also use the “Life and Work Guide”

For more detailed information, consult the “Life and Work Guide”:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/index.html

The post Videos to learn the rules of life in Japan appeared first on Mie Info.

The National Census will be conducted starting at the end of September 2025.

All people living in Japan (including foreigners) are required to respond.

The responses will be used solely for statistical purposes and will not be used for any other purpose.

We ask for your cooperation in the National Census.

The deadline to respond is Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

• To respond to the National Census, please visit the support website in foreign languages：
  https://www.kokusei2025.go.jp/language/
• If you have questions, you can contact us in foreign languages ​​by calling the number below:

National Census Contact Center
0570-02-5901
(For IP phones or prepaid cell phones: 03-6628-2258)

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

* Operators speak Japanese, but interpreters are available.

* The service is free, but there will be a call charge.

The National Census pamphlet for foreigners is available here.

Contact (in Japanese language only):

Mie-ken Seisaku Kikaku-bu Toukei-ka (三重県　政策企画部　統計課)

Tel: 059-224-2044

The post The National Census is easy and convenient to complete online. appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture is taking various measures to ensure that Japanese and foreign residents can respect each other’s differences in lifestyles and cultures and work together to build a local community free of discrimination and prejudice.

As part of this initiative, the prefecture has set up the Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo), a multilingual consultation service that accepts inquiries from foreigners living in the prefecture regarding residency procedures, employment, medical care, and other aspects of daily life.

If you have any problems or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

For more information about MieCo, please click here.

The post Information about Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo) appeared first on Mie Info.

Due to the large number of public holidays between late April and mid-May, many foreigners go to the Immigration Offices to apply for their residence status. As a result, the place will be very busy and the procedures may take longer than usual.

If you go to the Immigration Offices during this period, use the public transportation whenever possible.

In addition, if there are no issues with your residence status or the validity of your visa, it is recommended that you apply for residence analysis from mid-May onwards.

Information about the congestion situation, among other notices, is published on the official social media accounts managed by the Immigration Offices (the leaflet is available here). Take advantage of this information.

The post During the Golden Week period (from late April to mid-May), the Regional Immigration Offices will be congested. appeared first on Mie Info.

Period: April 2025 to March 2026

Telephone consultations with specialists will be held on the dates below. Reservations are required.

To make a reservation or for more information, please call 080-3300-8077 (MieCo).

Consultations are free.

Experts available for consultation

• Lawyer: for legal questions
• Clinical psychologist: for emotional issues such as sadness, insomnia, and other mental health issues
• Nagoya Immigration Office: for questions about immigration procedures

Consultation hours:

• 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM – Lawyer, Immigration
• 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM – Lawyer, Immigration, Clinical Psychologist

Appointment dates with a lawyer:

• April 9, 2025 (Wednesday)
• April 23, 2025 (Wednesday)
• May 14, 2025 (Wednesday)
• May 28, 2025 (Wednesday)
• June 11, 2025 (Wednesday)
• June 25, 2025 (Wednesday)
• July 9, 2025 (Wednesday)
• July 23, 2025 (Wednesday)
• August 6, 2025 (Wednesday)
• August 20, 2025 (Wednesday)
• September 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
• September 24, 2025 (Wednesday)
• October 8, 2025 (Wednesday)
• October 22, 2025 (Wednesday)
• November 12, 2025 2025 (Wednesday)
• November 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
• December 3, 2025 (Wednesday)
• December 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
• January 14, 2026 (Wednesday)
• January 28, 2026 (Wednesday)
• February 4, 2026 (Wednesday)
• February 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
• March 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
• March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)

Dates for appointments with the Nagoya Immigration Office:

• April 10, 2025 (Thursday)
• May 8, 2025 (Thursday)
• June 12, 2025 (Thursday)
• July 10, 2025 (Thursday)
• August 7, 2025 (Thursday)
• September 11, 2025 (Thursday)
• October 9, 2025 (Thursday)
• November 13, 2025 (Thursday)
• December 11, 2025 (Thursday)
• January 8, 2026 (Thursday)
• February 12, 2026 (Thursday)
• March 12, 2026 (Thursday)

Dates of appointment with the Clinical Psychologist:

• April 24, 2025 (Thursday)
• May 22, 2025 (Thursday)
• June 26, 2025 (Thursday)
• July 24, 2025 (Thursday)
• August 28, 2025 (Thursday)
• September 25, 2025 (Thursday)
• October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
• November 27, 2025 (Thursday)
• December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
• January 22, 2026 (Thursday)
• February 26, 2026 (Thursday)
• March 26, 2026 (Thursday)

Click here to view the Special Consultations pamphlet

If you would like to consult about day-to-day difficulties, see this article about MieCo on the MieInfo website

The post Special Consultations with Experts (Lawyer, Clinical Psychologist and Immigration) appeared first on Mie Info.

Consultation hours are 9:00-16:00 on weekdays.

Mie Prefecture has a consultation center (MieCo) for foreign residents. You can consult by phone. You can also talk to a counselor directly at the counter. Consultation is free (telephone charges apply).

When consulting by phone

Call 080-3300-8077.

When the call is connected, say your preferred language. You will be assisted by an interpreter in that language

When consulting at MieCo counter

Staff members who speak foreign languages ​​will assist you. If there is no one who speaks your language, a telephone interpreter service will be used.

Address: Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700 UST Tsu 3F

Inside the Mie Prefectural Citizens’ Exchange Center – Mie International Exchange Foundation (MIEF)

Access:

• Train: 1-minute walk from the east exit of Tsu Station
• Car: Parking is free for up to 30 minutes. After that, a fee will be charged.

Horário de Atendimento

Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and December 29 to January 3)

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Languages ​​available

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai, and Japanese

If you would like to consult a specialist (lawyer, clinical psychologist, or immigration officer), see this article on the MieInfo website.

 See the MieCo pamhplet here

The post Notice from the Mie Prefecture Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo) appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture has a support center for foreign residents called MieCo. Below are some of the most common questions received by the center, along with their answers.

Question 1

I would like to know about the procedure for applying for a refund of social security contributions when leaving Japan.

Answer 1

People who leave Japan and meet the requirements can apply for a refund of social security contributions (Dattai Ichijikin).

To do so, you must make an appointment with the Japanese social security office and complete the procedure in person.

The social security office counters offer interpretation services in 11 languages. For more details on the translation service, please see the link below.

For more information on social security contribution refunds:
https://www.nenkin.go.jp/international/japanese-system/withdrawalpayment/payment.html

About Japan’s Pension System

In principle, all people who live in Japan and are between the ages of 20 and 60 must be enrolled in the public social security system (Kokumin Nenkin – National Pension). In addition, workers who meet certain requirements must be enrolled in the Kosei Nenkin – Workers’ Pension, which is an additional pension plan for employees of companies.

For more information on pensions and social assistance, please also refer to the following material:

Excerpt from the Japan Immigration Services Agency’s Guide to Living and Working

• Social Security and Assistance (Portuguese)
• Social Security and Assistance (Spanish)
• Social Security and Assistance (Vietnamese)
• Social Security and Assistance (Tagalog)
• Social Security and Assistance (English)
• Social Security and Assistance (Chinese)
• Social Security and Assistance (Simple Japanese)

The post Mie Prefecture Support Center for Foreign Residents “MieCo” FAQ (Regarding Social Security) appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture has a support center for foreign residents called MieCo. Below are some of the most common questions received by the center, along with their answers.

Question 1

I am insured under the Japanese health system. My parents, who live in my home country, will be coming to Japan on a three-month short-stay visa. Can they be included as my dependents under the health insurance?

Answer 1

No. Relatives on a three-month short-stay visa cannot be considered your dependents and therefore cannot use the Japanese health insurance. It is most common for visitors to purchase travel insurance before coming to Japan.

Question 2

Is there a system to help when medical expenses are too high?

Answer 2

Yes. There is a High Medical Expense Reimbursement System (Kogaku Iryo-hi Seido – 高額医療費制度). If the medical expenses paid at hospitals and pharmacies within a single month (from the 1st to the last day of the month) exceed a set maximum amount, the excess amount can be reimbursed. The limit depends on the patient’s age and income.

Question 3

I am currently enrolled in the health insurance of the company where I work. What happens to my health insurance after I resign?

Answer 3

The company’s health insurance expires the day after you resign. The insurance card must be returned to the company on your last day of work. After that, you can choose to join the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) or become a dependent on a family member’s insurance.

About the Health Insurance System in Japan

All people residing in Japan, regardless of nationality, must be enrolled in public health insurance. There are three main types of health insurance in Japan:

Company Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken)

Applicable to employees of companies where health insurance membership is mandatory.

Insurance is handled by the company.

National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

Intended for people under 75 who are not eligible for company health insurance.

Application and withdrawal must be made at the city hall or municipal office where the person resides.

Senior Citizens’ Health Insurance System (Koki Koreisha Iryo Seido)

Applicable to people 75 or older. Application and withdrawal are made at the city hall or municipal office.

For more information on health insurance, please also refer to the following material:

(Excerpt from the Japan Immigration Services Agency’s Guide to Living and Working)

•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Portuguese)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Spanish)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Vietnamese)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Tagalog)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (English)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Chinese)
•  Health Insurance and Medical Assistance (Simple Japanese)

The post Mie Prefecture Support Center for Foreign Residents “MieCo” FAQ (Regarding Health and Health Insurance) appeared first on Mie Info.

The Immigration Services Agency has created a “Life and Work Guidebook” for foreigners living in Japan.

Access the guidebook here: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/support/portal/guidebook_all.html

You can read the information you need to live a smooth life in Japan in 17 languages.

Please feel free to use it:

• About entry and residence procedures
• About procedures in municipalities
• About employment and labor
• About childbirth and child-rearing
• About education
• About medical care
• About pensions
• About taxes
• About disasters
• About rules and customs in daily life, etc.

The government’s website has a video explaining what is included in this guidebook:
https://www.gov-online.go.jp/prg/prg25045.html

The post Please make use of the Life and Work Guidebook appeared first on Mie Info.

When foreign residents apply for permanent residence permission to the government, they need a tax payment certificate 納税証明書 – Nozei Shoumeisho (a document proving that they have no outstanding national taxes).

If you have a smartphone (one that can read My Number cards), you can apply for a tax payment certificate. This takes much less time than going through all the procedures at the tax office, so please make use of it.

For details on the procedure, please see the leaflet below.

(Portuguese) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

 (Spanish) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

(English) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

(Vietnamese) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

(Filipino) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

(Chinese) How to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone

The post It is now possible to request a tax payment certificate via smartphone appeared first on Mie Info.

The government has created a chatbot (Govbot) about Japanese systems. You can read frequently asked questions and answers (FAQs) about systems that are often inquired about. In addition to Japanese, it is available in 15 languages ​​(machine translation).

You can find out about My Number, child-rearing, medical insurance, pensions, taxes, real estate registration, family registers, and fixed-amount income tax reductions, so please use it.

Click here for the chatbot (Govbot)　→　https://www.govbot.go.jp/#/

Examples of FAQs that can be read

• How much is the amount of the fixed-amount income tax reduction?
• I have a child. What procedures are required to receive child allowance?
• Is there an expiration date for My Number cards?
• When and how much can I receive my pension?
• What is the annual income barrier?
• Who is subject to the forestry environment tax?

Click here for Govbot’s flyer (Japanese and English)

The post Announcement of the National and Local common consultation chatbot (Govbot) appeared first on Mie Info.

Japan’s seas are home to a variety of fish, shellfish, and seaweed, but poaching has become a problem.

To prevent poaching, the law was changed in 2018. Violators will face heavy penalties.

[Subjects to illegal poaching]

Abalone (awabi), sea cucumbers (namako), glass eel fry (young fish) (shirasu unagi)

→ Penalty: imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million yen.

Vôngole (asari), clams (hamaguri), sea snail (sazae), Ise-ebi lobster, octopus (tako), sea urchins (uni), wakame algae, etc.

→ Fines of up to 1 million yen.

If you don’t follow the rules, you could be punished for illegal fishing.

See examples of illegal fishing below:

• Example) I was fishing and happened to catch an octopus, so I took it home.
• Example) I was playing on the beach and found a sea cucumber and picked it up.
• Example) I thought it was okay to eat it myself.
• Example) I thought it was okay to eat even just a little.

Even if you are only going to eat it with your family and do not intend to sell it to anyone, do not catch it.

If you do happen to catch one, please return it to the sea immediately.

“ Rules for catching sea creatures” 捉海洋生物的规则 (in Chinese)

“ Rules for catching sea creatures” Aturan untuk menangkap makhluk laut (in Indonesian)

“ Rules for catching sea creatures” Quy tắ c đánh bắ t sinh vắ t biể n (in Vietnamese)

Contact information *Only in Japanese

Daiyon Kanku Kaijou Hoanbu Keibi Kyunanbu Keijika (第四管区海上保安部警備救難部刑事課)

TEL: 052-661-1611

Mie-ken Nōrin Suisanbu Suisan Shigen Kanrika (三重県農林水産部水産資源管理課)

TEL: 059-224-2582

The post Illegal poaching is a crime! “I don’t know it’s forbidden” can’t be an excuse! appeared first on Mie Info.

Telephone consultations with experts will take place on the following dates.

People who want to make an appointment must make the reservation at least 5 days before the date of the appointment.

If you want to make a reservation or have questions about appointments, call MieCo (080-3300-8077).

Consultations are free.

Consultation hours

First time: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Lawyer, Immigration Department)

Second time: 3pm to 4pm (Lawyer, Immigration Department, Clinical Psychologist)

Experts who can be consulted

Lawyers (consultations on laws related to divorce, traffic accidents, among others)

Clinical psychologists (consultations about feelings of depression, lack of sleep, among others)

Immigration, Zairyu Kanrikyoku (consultations on immigration procedures, among others)

Days available for consultation with a lawyer

• April 17, 2024 (Wednesday)
• May 8, 2024 (Wednesday)
• May 22, 2024 (Wednesday)
• June 12, 2024 (Wednesday)
• June 26, 2024 (Wednesday)
• July 17, 2024 (Wednesday)
• August 7, 2024 (Wednesday)
• August 28, 2024 (Wednesday)
• September 11, 2024 (Wednesday)
• October 2, 2024 (Wednesday)
• October 23, 2024 (Wednesday)
• November 13, 2024 (Wednesday)
• December 4, 2024 (Wednesday)
• December 18, 2024 (Wednesday)
• January 15, 2025 (Wednesday)
• February 5, 2025 (Wednesday)
• February 26, 2025 (Wednesday)
• March 19, 2025 (Wednesday)

Days available for consultation at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau

• April 11, 2024 (Thursday)
• May 9, 2024 (Thursday)
• June 13, 2024 (Thursday)
• July 11, 2024 (Thursday)
• August 8, 2024 (Thursday)
• September 12, 2024 (Thursday)
• October 10, 2024 (Thursday)
• November 14, 2024 (Thursday)
• December 12, 2024 (Thursday)
• January 9, 2025 (Thursday)
• February 13, 2025 (Thursday)
• March 13, 2025 (Thursday)

Days available for consultation with a clinical psychologist

• April 25, 2024 (Thursday)
• May 30, 2024 (Thursday)
• June 27, 2024 (Thursday)
• July 25, 2024 (Thursday)
• August 22, 2024 (Thursday)
• September 26, 2024 (Thursday)
• October 24, 2024 (Thursday)
• November 28, 2024 (Thursday)
• December 26, 2024 (Thursday)
• January 23, 2025 (Thursday)
• February 27, 2025 (Thursday)
• March 27, 2025 (Thursday)

Click here to view the consultation pamphlet

If you want to make queries about problems in everyday life, click here

The post Information on Specialized Consultations with Lawyers, Clinical Psychologists and Immigration (April 2023 to March 2025) appeared first on Mie Info.

Opening hours are from 9am to 4pm on weekdays.

In Mie Prefecture, there is a consultation center for foreign residents.  If you have a problem in your daily life, consult MieCo. All consultations will be confidencial!  Make an appointment without worry.

Consultation hours

Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and New Year’s holidays, between December 29th and January 3rd)

9am to 4pm

Phone consultations

Call 080-3300-8077.

When the call is connected, say your preferred language.  A translator for that language will speak to you along with the MieCo employee, resulting in a 3-person call.  Depending on the content, a specialized organization will be convened so that your problem can be solved.

MieCo’s consultation desk

You will be served by staff who speak the language of your choice in principle.  If the staff does not speak your language, an interpreter will help over the phone.

Endereço: Tsu-shi Hadokoro-cho 700 UST Tsu 3F

Mie International Exchange Foundation (MIEF) at the Mie Prefectural Exchange Center (Mie Kenmin Kouryu Center)

Train: 1 minute walk from Tsu Station east exit.

Car: Parking is free for up to 30 minutes.  If it exceeds 30 minutes, a fee will be charged.

*Consultations are free (however there is a telephone call fee).

Service languages

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai and Japanese

Matters that can be consulted

Visa procedures, work, health, well-being, pregnancy, paternity and maternity, education, among other matters.

Matters that cannot be consulted

Translation of documents, translation for commercial purposes and civil cases, face-to-face translation, medical translation, etc.

If you would like to consult with specialists (lawyers, clinical psychologists and Department of Immigration Control officials), click here for more details.

The consultation schedule from April 2023 will be announced in April on Mie Info.

Click here to view the MieCo pamphlet

The post Announcement from MieCo, Consultation Center for Foreign Residents in Mie appeared first on Mie Info.

The opening hours are from 9am to 4pm on weekdays.

From April 1, 2024, the opening hours of the Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo) will be changed.

Before the changes: weekdays from 9am to 5pm→ After the changes: weekdays from 9am to 4pm

If you would like to inquire after 4pm, please leave a message on the answering machine. In case of emergency, the service may be available until 5pm.

MieCo phone number

080-3300-8077

When your call connects, say the language you want to speak. You will speak to an interpreter for that language.

Languages supported by MieCo

English, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Indonesian, Thai, Japanese

The post The opening hours of Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents(MieCo) have been changed appeared first on Mie Info.

In January 2024, an earthquake occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture. Mie Prefecture is accepting tax donations on behalf of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, to support reconstruction.

For donations, please select “令和６年能登半島地震石川県輪島市復興支援 (Reiwa 6-nen Noto Hanto Jishin Ishikawa-ken Wajima-shi Fukko Shien)” as the recipient of your donation, and the total amount of your donation to Mie Prefecture will be sent to Wajima City (Ishikawa), after deducting settlement fees such as credit card fees and administrative fees such as postage costs.

Donation acceptance period

January 17, 2024 to March 25, 2024

Donation method　

Check here (Mie Prefecture website).

What is the Furusato Tax (Furusato Nouzei)?

Furusato Tax is a system that allows you to make a donation (hometown tax payment) to a municipality of your choice.

When you make a donation, the total donation amount exceeding 2,000 yen is in principle deducted from your income tax and municipal tax (there is a maximum limit on the amount that can be deducted).

Income tax is reduced in the year the donation is made.

In the case of residential tax, the residential tax for the year following the year of donation will be reduced.

The post Mie Prefecture is accepting donations for “Hometown Tax Payment for Reconstruction Assistance” appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture invited three young people from the Brazilian Association of Mie Prefecture (Brasil Miekenjinkai) and a companion to go to Mie from January 14 to 27, 2024 to learn about the history and culture of the prefecture.

The participants, Oyagawa Lucas Tetsuya (20), Shogo Miyazaki (20), and Oki Takahashi Vitor Ichiro (22), commented that they “saw the beautiful nature and valuable historical sites of Mie Prefecture and learned about the spirit of the Japanese people. I I didn’t imagine there was such an important place for Japan in Mie”, “Delicious food, rich nature, history and traditions as valuable as jewels. Everything is wonderful and unforgettable. Mie Prefecture was like a paradise.”

On February 24th (Saturday), a briefing session was held by young people from the Brazilian Association of Mie Province who participated in the training at Mie Kaikan in São Paulo, Brazil, and the session was broadcast on the Mie Amigos YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@mieamigos). The report is available on the channel.

The training is also available on TikTok, Instagram and Youtube (https://linktr.ee/mieamigos).

The post Regarding the distribution of the Mie Prefecture Human Association Invitation Training Report Session (Notice) (Miekenjinkai) appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture has a consultation center for foreign residents. This section contains frequently asked questions and their answers.

For more information about MieCo, click here.

For MieCo FAQs 1-4, click here.

Question 5

Are there any benefits available if I cannot work due to illness or injury?

Answer 5

If you are enrolled in social insurance (Shakai hoken), you can apply for sick pay (Shoubyou Teatekin – 傷病手当金). You can ask your company to request it, or you can request it yourself.

Question 6

I can’t make appointments at the hospital because they are only available in Japanese. What should I do?

Answer 6

The Mieco team can schedule an appointment for you. In this case, they will need to receive your personal data. The center will send you an email with the appointment time and a map of the location in your native language.

Question 7

I would like to know about Japanese classes in Mie Prefecture.

Answer 7

The Mie International Foundation (MIEF) website has a list of Japanese classes in each city with addresses, phone numbers and fees.

Please see here: http://mief.or.jp/wp/sp/kyoshitsumap/

Question 8

I would like to take a Japanese class, but I can’t make a phone consultation. What should I do?

Answer 8

MieCo will assist you with telephone inquiries. In case of Japanese language classes in the Asto Tsu Building, MieCo will assist you on the spot when you need to talk to the class supervisor.

The post Frequently Asked Questions about Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo) 5-8 appeared first on Mie Info.

Mie Prefecture has a consultation center for foreign residents. This section contains frequently asked questions and their answers.

For more information about MieCo, click here.

For MieCo FAQs 5-8, click here.

Question 1

I received a vaccination ticket against the coronavirus at home. What should I do?

Answer 1

If you wish to be vaccinated, you must make an appointment for vaccination. To make an appointment, you will need to provide information such as your proof number, date of birth and telephone number; the MieCo team can make this appointment for you. They will email your appointment time and a map of the location to you in your native language.

Question 2

I made an appointment for vaccination, but I can’t make it to the scheduled time because I have an urgent matter to resolve. I want to change the appointment date and time.

Answer 2

You need to cancel the current appointment and then make a new appointment. You will know if you can make a new appointment after canceling your appointment. Depending on the situation, it may not be possible to make a new reservation.

Question 3

I have a fever and want to go to the hospital, but they refused me an appointment. What should I do?

Answer 3

MieCo will help you find a medical institution with an outpatient clinic for people with fever and make an appointment. The center will email you appointment times and a map of the location in your native language.

Question 4

​I was infected with the new coronavirus and am recovering at home. I have a persistent fever and would like to receive medication.

Answer 4

MieCo will help you consult a medical professional over the phone.

The post Frequently Asked Questions about Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents (MieCo) 1-4 appeared first on Mie Info.

~Vietnamese written exam will be held from December 1, 2023~

The Mie Prefectural Driver’s License Center conducts the driving license theory test in foreign languages.  If you wish to take the foreign language written exam, please apply at the application counter when completing the exam procedures..

Written exams in foreign languages ​​

• Chinese
• English
• Portuguese
• Vietnamese (from December 1, 2023))

Type of exam

• Class 1 license (semi-medium/normal/motorcycle)
• Temporary driving license (semi-medium/normal)
• Moped license

**The explanation of the written test and the skill test will be conducted in Japanese.

*If you cannot understand Japanese, please bring an interpreter with you when applying for the exam..

For other information, please see the Mie Prefectural Police website (in Japanese).

https://www.police.pref.mie.jp/licence/licence_zyuken.html

Contact information

Driver’s License Center (Address: 2566 Tarumi, Tsu City)

Phone number: 059-229-1212

8:30am – 5:00pm

*Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, public holidays, and New Year’s holidays.

The post Notice regarding the driving license written exam in foreign language appeared first on Mie Info.

Telephone consultations with experts will take place on the following dates.

People who want to make an appointment must make the reservation at least 5 days before the date of the appointment.

If you want to make a reservation or have questions about appointments, call MieCo (080-3300-8077).

Consultations are free.

Consultation hours

First time: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm

Second time: 3pm to 4pm

Experts who can be consulted

Lawyers (consultations on laws related to divorce, traffic accidents, among others)

Clinical psychologists (consultations about feelings of depression, lack of sleep, among others)

Immigration, Zairyu Kanrikyoku (consultations on immigration procedures, among others)

Dates of consultations with lawyers

October 27, 2023 (Friday)

November 17, 2023 (Friday)

December 1, 2023 (Friday)

December 22, 2023 (Friday)

January 19, 2024 (Friday)

February 2, 2024 (Friday)

March 15, 2024 (Friday)

Dates of consultations with Immigration (Zairyu Kanrikyoku)

October 12, 2023 (Thursday)

November 9, 2023 (Thursday)

December 14, 2023 (Thursday)

January 11, 2024 (Thursday)

February 8, 2024 (Thursday)

March 14, 2024 (Thursday)

Dates of consultations with clinical psychologists

November 24, 2023 (Friday)

January 26, 2024 (Friday)

March 22, 2024 (Friday)

Click here to view the consultation pamphlet

If you want to make queries about problems in everyday life, click here

The post Information on Specialized Consultations with Lawyers, Clinical Psychologists and Immigration (October 2023 to March 2024) appeared first on Mie Info.