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Japan Today
10-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Today
How to apply for gov't subsidies in Japan for housing, healthcare and childcare
By Elizabeth Sok With prices on the rise, everyone could use a little extra financial help. GaijinPot can help you save cash by showing you birthday freebies or even finding better work on GaijinPot Jobs—but we can't hand you cash. Thankfully, there are a ton of government subsidies in Japan offering real financial support for housing, childcare, healthcare, and more. Luckily, whether you're moving to another prefecture, planning on starting a family or just lost your job, the Japanese government provides subsidies to ease your financial burden. We've compiled a list of government subsidies offered nationwide, but the benefits don't stop there as prefectures and even cities can provide their own additional financial aid. For example, while Fukuoka City now completely subsidizes elementary school lunches, Kitakyushu City, also located in the prefecture, does not. Also, many subsidies vary depending on where you live, so be sure to look around locally. Living and Housing Subsidies Dreaming of moving to the countryside? With housing costs taking up as much as 30% of your monthly salary and moving to Japan being expensive, it helps to have some financial help when you need it. Housing Security Benefit Individuals who have become unemployed or are facing a decrease in their monthly income may be eligible for a Housing Security Benefit (住居確保給付金, jyuukyo kakuho kyufukin) to cover part of their housing costs. Subsidies are paid directly to the landlord and can be renewed every three months for a maximum of nine months. Benefits The amount of financial support you can receive varies across Japan. Also, it depends on how many people are living within a household and your recent household income. For example, here are the highest monthly subsidies available for people living in Tokyo's Minato Ward: Single-person household : ¥69,800 : ¥69,800 Two-person household : ¥75,000 : ¥75,000 Three-person household : ¥81,000 : ¥81,000 Four-person household: ¥86,000 For more information Visit your local municipal office to inquire about rental subsidies. There are many documents you may need to present, including (but not limited to): Official pieces of identification, such as your My Number Card and Residence Card. Proof you have been terminated from your previous job or that your business has closed. Official documents stating a required leave of absence. A copy of your housing contract. Copies of utility bills. Moving to the countryside The government subsidizes relocation to less-populated prefectures in an effort to slow Tokyo's population growth. This is part of a broader strategy to counter Tokyo's overpopulation and support regional revival. If you're considering relocating, check local municipal programs and support services like the Hometown Return Support Center for eligibility specifics and application details. Benefits It depends on how many people are relocating. If you are single, you are eligible to receive ¥600,000, while a household can get up to ¥1,000,000. If you have children under the age of 18, they may also receive ¥1,000,000 each. For more information Running for over 20 years, Hometown Return Support Center (ふるさと回帰支援センター, Furusato Kaiki Shien Sentaa) is the most popular non-profit organization that collaborates with local governments to bring new residents to places outside the big cities. To qualify, you must start an application with Hometown Return Support Center or another government-recognized group offering similar services. Additional requirements may include: Finding a job before moving Working remotely with your current job (if applicable) Starting your own business Family and Childcare Subsidies Japan's government is begging you to have children. Raising a family is expensive, from clothing and food to education and health care. The Japanese government offers several subsidies to parents, partly in hopes of improving the country's falling birthrate. Child allowance The child allowance (児童手当, jido teate) is an allowance available for families with at least one child under the age of 19. Benefits Payments are on every even-numbered month. The subsidy amount depends on the age of your children and how many you have. For more information Visit your local municipal office or apply online via the Benefits section of the My Number Portal (scroll down to 児童手当に関する申請 to apply for the child allowance). Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth Expectant mothers enrolled in the National Health Insurance Plan are eligible to receive the Lump-sum Allowance for Childbirth (出産一時金, Shussan ichiji kin), a one-time subsidy to cover all or most of the costs of childbirth. Benefits The subsidy is ¥500,000. According to a 2023 study by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, the cost of giving birth in Japan ranges from around ¥350,000 to over ¥600,000. The exact amount depends on the prefecture, the type of birthing facility, and the kind of delivery. The government usually pays the subsidy directly to the facility where you give birth. For more information In most cases, you can apply directly through your birthing facility. Single-parent support The Japanese government provides several support programs for single-parent households that cover everything from housing to education. Benefits The main subsidy is the Child Support Allowance (児童扶養手当, jido fuyo teate), which offers financial assistance for raising children until March 31st after they turn 18. The amount depends on the parents' income. It can be up to nearly ¥50,000 per month for the first child, and around ¥10,000 or less for each additional child. Payments are deposited every even-numbered month. For more information Visit your local municipal office and apply. Healthcare Subsidies Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
04-07-2025
- Japan Today
5 famous foods you'll find in Kagawa
By Kerri King Kagawa Prefecture might be Japan's smallest by area, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to food. Nicknamed 'Udon Prefecture' (yes, officially), Kagawa has carved out a reputation for chewy noodles, island-grown olives and one very unexpected mochi-based soup. From slurpable staples to savory snacks and sweet-salty curveballs, here are five famous foods you need to try when visiting Shikoku's Kagawa. 1. Sanuki Udon Image: PIXTA/ shige hattori Welcome to the Udon Kingdom. This one's a no-brainer. Kagawa's Sanuki udon is legendary. Thick, bouncy noodles served hot or cold, usually in a light dashi broth or with dipping sauce. It's so central to the region's identity that there's an official udon taxi service that'll take you udon-hopping across the prefecture and a Udon Prefecture Passport for collecting stamps. What sets Sanuki udon apart is the firmness of the noodle. It's got that koshi (chewy bite) that noodle-lovers crave. Popular toppings include raw egg, grated daikon and crispy tempura, but purists may tell you to keep it simple with just a splash of soy and scallions. 2. Honetsukidori (Bone-in Chicken) Image: PIXTA/ od If Udon is Kagawa's king, honetsukidori is the prince. Originating in Marugame City, this dish features a whole chicken leg roasted to juicy, peppery perfection, served bone-in and ready to tear into caveman-style. There are two styles: Wakadori (young chicken, tender and juicy) and Oyadori (older and chewier meat but flavor-packed). Both are roasted with garlic, black pepper and a crispy skin finish that makes them irresistible. Many eateries around Kagawa serve honetsukidori, you can't miss it! 3. Shoyu Mame (Soy Sauce Beans) Image: PIXTA/ wifineko Shoyu mame might not look flashy, but don't underestimate these soy-simmered broad beans. They're roasted and soaked in a sweet soy sauce marinade until they hit that perfect sweet-salty balance. They are likened to the Japanese version of candied nuts. Click here to sign more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
23-06-2025
- Japan Today
See the beauty and skill of bonsai at the Shunkaen Bonsai Museum
By Abhijit Sen The Shunkaen Bonsai Museum in Edogawa Ward Tokyo was founded by bonsai master Kunio Kobayashi in 2002. This museum is a must for bonsai fans and travelers to visit. It showcases the beauty and skill of bonsai, highlighting its importance in Japanese tradition. Visitors can wander through the serene gardens, which change with the seasons. Image: PIXTA/ i-flower When visitors arrive, they see a traditional entrance. Inside, a calm courtyard holds a special 1,000-year-old Japanese black pine tree at its center. Around this ancient tree, the museum showcases over 1,000 bonsai trees, including maples, azaleas and evergreens. Each tree reflects years of careful work, pruning, and artistic design, highlighting the skill and dedication of bonsai artists. Visitors can wander through the serene gardens, which change with the seasons. In the winter, leafless trees create striking silhouettes against the sky. Spring brings vibrant blossoms, while summer showcases lush greenery. During autumn, trees display brilliant hues of orange and red, offering a picturesque backdrop for photographs. The Master and The Art Kunio Kobayashi, the museum's founder, has dedicated his life to promoting the art of bonsai. He has won the Prime Minister's Award four times, a testament to his expertise and influence in the field. Kobayashi has also trained over 140 students, spreading his love for bonsai around the world. In the traditional home, there are several beautifully arranged tokonoma (alcoves). Each features a stunning bonsai next to calligraphy scrolls, seasonal flowers, and antique pots. Each display reflects the Wabi-sabi aesthetic, emphasizing 'beauty in imperfection.' Upstairs, rooms are filled with antique Chinese pots, classic books on bonsai care, and old wooden display tables, offering visitors insight into the historical context of this art form. Bonsai Workshops and Other Experiences Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
10 Japanese summer traditions to try this year
By Heidi Sarol Summer in Japan starts with a few weeks of rain right after Golden Week. From then on, it gets progressively hotter and more humid. Thankfully, it's not all that bad. Throughout the centuries, Japanese culture has found ways to celebrate each passing season. Each prefecture has its own share of summer festivals, from fireworks to serving up regional specialties to cool you off. While not definitive, here's a quick roundup of 10 Japanese summer traditions you need to try (if you haven't already). 1. Fireworks Festivals 2. Bon Odori 3. Nagashi Somen 4. Yukata 5. Suikawari 6. Beer Gardens 7. Kakigori 8. Sparklers 9. Bug Catching 10. Firefly Watching 1. Fireworks Festivals See the sky light up in a burst of color. Even if no one can say for sure when hanabi (fireworks) first came to Japan from China, they've clearly left a lasting impression. Summer in Japan wouldn't be complete without the distant sound of fireworks echoing through the night, thanks to the many festivals held across the country. While fireworks displays exist around the world, in Japan they carry deeper cultural meaning — honoring the ephemeral and celebrating the beauty of nature. 2. Bon Odori Follow along. Every August, Japanese people observe Obon, a Buddhist festival that honors the spirits of their ancestors. During this time, families come together and symbolically welcome their departed loved ones back to the world of the living. It can also be a little bit spooky. One of the most recognizable traditions of Obon is Bon Odori, a folk dance with roots dating back to the late Heian or Kamakura Periods, which became widespread by the 1600s. Each region adds its own flair, but the most common sight is a group of musicians performing atop a yagura (wooden scaffold) while dancers move in a slow circle, either clockwise or counterclockwise. 3. Nagashi Somen Don't let it slip away. When you feel like melting but still crave noodles, look for somen (thinly sliced wheat noodles) or better yet, nagashi (flowing) somen. Originating in Kyushu in the mid-1950s, nagashi somen involves catching somen noodles flowing down bamboo pipes. It's a time-honored tradition that's not only meant to bring people together, but also to have them cool off. Once you catch the noodles, simply dunk them in tsuyu (savory dipping sauce). 4. Yukata Stylish and practical Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Japan Today
17-06-2025
- Japan Today
Sakurayama Shrine a spiritual ‘power spot' drawing visitors seeking protective blessings
By Rachel Crane Sakurayama Shrine, located in the center of Morioka, remains an essential part of daily life. This shrine, along with the Iwate Museum of Art, makes the perfect stop on a tour of Morioka. In 1749 the Edo lord Nanbu Toshimi established the shrine on the grounds of Morioka Castle, enshrining his ancestors as gods. All that remains of the castle itself are the foundational stone walls, but Sakurayama Shrine has endured. The earliest members of the Nanbu clan are still worshipped as deities to this day. This shrine is now considered a spiritual 'power spot', and visitors come from far and wide to seek protective blessings. Priests can perform ceremonies for the health of children and protection for people said to be entering difficult years. They will even enact rituals to bestow safety on newly purchased cars! Worshippers can also purchase omamori (talismans) and small Shinto shrines to protect the home. One notable feature of the shrine complex is the Eboshi-iwa (Guardian Rock). The rock was deemed auspicious when it was unearthed during the construction of Morioka Castle and locals continue to revere it as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. Beyond its spiritual function, the shrine serves as a community event space. The Sanshuden Hall within the shrine complex features Western and Japanese-style rooms that can be hired for occasions including banquets, meetings, lectures, and exhibitions. Shrine Festivals Sakurayama Shrine comes to life most vibrantly during several festivals throughout the year. Two festivals in particular represent the shrine's unique history and traditions. The first is the annual Sakurayama Shrine Festival, held from May 25-27 each year. On the first day, warriors parade through the streets of Morioka on horseback, following the mikoshi (portable shrine) and crowds can enjoy traditional performing arts. On the second day, offerings of local seafood, mountain produce and poetry are made to the shrine. Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
