Koho Yokohama February 2012 NO.756
- Yokohama City Monthly Public Relations Page
- Yokohama’s area code is 045 when calling from outside the city
Towards Zero-waiting-list of Children
In recent years, the application for nursery schools have increased and the raise in the number of children on the waiting-list has become a social issue. Yokohama city recognizes the children on the waiting-list as an immediate issue to be worked on and is expanding the number of number of children acceptable by using existing or newly establishing certified nursery schools and nursery rooms aided by the city. As a result, on April 2011, the number of children on the waiting-list has decreased for the first time in five years. We will continue to make various efforts and provide nursery services that best fit the community in 2012 and aim to reach the goal of zero-waiting-list by April 2013.
What does Children on Waiting-list Mean?
Children on waiting-list are total number of children that were unable to enter nursery schools which the guardian applied to due to exceeding capacity (children on reserve), excluding 1) children that are using the services on the following table such as nursery rooms aided by Yokohama, 2) children of guardians that are taking childcare leave, and 3) children requesting a certain facility.
New Efforts against Children on the Waiting-list
Matching Landowners and Nursery Operators
Private land which nursery schools can be built on and nursery operators are publicly recruited and matched to establish nursery schools.
Providing Real-estate Property Information
We created a system to provide information on real-estates that are suitable for nursery facilities, with the cooperation from real-estate operators, to nursery operators.
Building Nursery Limousine Stations
Nursery Limousine Station drives children to nursery schools in the nearby area by bus. By using this facility, nursery schools that were difficult to commute because of distance can be included in the choice.
Spreading Homely Nursery Using NPO Organizations
Homely Nurseries are run in an atmosphere just like at home. NPO organizations and other organizations uses rented rooms to provide services. Fourteen facilities will be established by March and will continue to be increased.
Recruiting Nursery Staff
Increasing nursery facility means more nursery staff will be needed. We are holding job assistance seminars and job-interviews for those that have childcare certificates.
Various Childcare Services
There are various facilities and services that take care of children other then certified nursery schools. The city provides following nursery services for example. Please consult Nursery Concierge at each Health and Welfare Center for details.
Nursery Concierge is a consultant who specializes in nursery and provides information according to the guardians’ needs.Yokohama Nursery Rooms (0 to 2 year old)
A nursery room certified by the city. Dimension standard is same as certified nursery schools. Applications are made directly to the facility and a system of fee reduction according to the income is available.
*There are facilities for children above two year old as well.Homely Nursery (0 to 2 year old)
A nursery facility that takes care of children in atmosphere just like home at living rooms in home of Home Nursery Care Staff or rooms rented by NPO organizations.Childcare at Kindergartens (3 to 5 year old)
Childcare Kindergartens certified by the city provides daycare service from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (until 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays), and during summer holidays and other long holidays. You can take children to kindergartens even if you are working.Temporary Nursery (0 to 5 year old)
Childcare is provided temporarily during part-time jobs, illness, or other errands. The service is provided at certified nursery schools, Yokohama nursery rooms, and non-certified nursery facilities.
Inquiries: Emergency Nursery Measures Division, Child and Youth Bureau (TEL 671-4221 FAX 663-1925)
The Mayor's Love for Yokohama
Making Yokohama Full of Sensations
What are things that a child never forgets for their entire life? I still remember how thrilled I was feeling the unique atmosphere and seeing the spectacular stage at the Kabuki Za which my father took me when I was a child.
The experience o feeling strong sensations and being emotionally moved stays in the heart and becomes something to thrive on. I think children develop their senses through series of these experiences and memories.
A dance festival “DanceDanceDance@YOKOHAMA2012”, which you can experience world-class original cultural art, will be held from this July. We are planning various events to enable children to see dreams and hopes by seeing the dance.
Children attending municipal schools in Yokohama learn Yokohama City Song in class. This City Song being sung by wide-range of generation in this large city is something Yokohama can be proud of.
The lyric written by Rintaro Mori, or Ogai Mori, includes a verse, “Could there be a place better than Yokohama?”. Small children may not yet know the meaning but, being able to know a verse full of feeling towards Yokohama by a literary figure that represents Japan in such a short verse is very fortunate.
Let us make Yokohama a city full of sensations and where children can love and be proud.
Hayashi Fumiko
Mayor of Yokohama
Yokohama Pictorial Book No. 6
Hamagin Space Science Center
5-2-1 Yokodai, Isogo Ward
A hand-on experience type science museum in the motif of a space ship, where you can play and learn about space and science. You can also enjoy dynamic projections and stars at the planetarium.
Access: JR Yokodai Station
Inquiries: Hamagin Space Science Center TEL 832-1166 FAX 832-116
Notice of Tax Revision
Revision in Dependent Exemption
Due to the revision in the tax system in FY2010, dependent exemption was revised. Individual residents tax (municipal residents tax and prefectural residents tax) will be revised from FY2012 (April 2012 to March 2013) and income tax from the 2011 (January to December 2011) income.
- Dependent exemption for children below 16 years old (born after January 2, 2008) will be abolished.
- Additional portion of the special dependent exemption for 16 to 19 years old (born between January 2, 2005 and January 1, 2008)
There are no changes in special dependent exemption for 19 to 23 years old, general dependent exemption for 23 to 69 years old, and elderly dependent exemption for 70 years old.
Q&A
- Q.
Do you need to fill in about the dependent that are under 16 years old when filling out the final return?
- A.
Please fill in “Items regarding resident tax (business tax)” in the second table on the final return form as non-taxing of residents tax will be determined base on it.
- Q.
If the dependent under 16 years old and also a disabled, depending exemption and exemption for the disabled will not be receivable? - A.
Exemption for the disabled will continue to be available. If the dependent follows under special disabled living together, 230,000 yen for individual residents tax and 350,000 yen for income tax will be added to the disabled dependent exemption.
Enhancing Tax Deduction System for Contribution
Lowering the Applicable Amount
To expand the culture of contribution, the minimum amount of contributions need to receive tax deduction for contributions for individual residents tax was lowered from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen. By this change, tax deduction will be applicable to contribution of at lower amount. (Applicable from contributions made in 2011.)
Tax Deduction System for Contribution regarding NPO Organizations
To support NPO organizations operating in the community, scope of eligibility will be expanded. Contributions to NPO organizations other than certified NPO organizations* will also be applicable for tax deduction for contributions for individual residents tax if prefectural or municipal government designates so individually by ordinances. (Yokohama City is currently considering its implementation.)
*NPO organizations certified by the Director General of National Tax Agency. Certain conditions need to be fulfilled. Due to the changes in the nonprofit organization law, certification for Yokohama City will be done by the Civic Activities Support Division, Civic Affairs Bureau from April 2012.
Easy Simulation of Residents Tax on the Homepage
Individual residents tax (municipal residents tax and prefectural residents tax) now can be simulated on the homepage (scheduled to start in early February for FY2012)
Tax amount can be simulated!
You can simulate the amount of tax of 2011 and 2012 by entering income, etc. By simulating both years, you can see the effects of the change in the tax system.
You Can Make Municipal Residents Tax and Prefectural Residents Tax Forms!
You can file at Ward Administration Offices with the created form.
Inquiries: Taxation Affairs Division, Finance Bureau (TEL 671-12254 FAX 641-2775) or Resident Tax Section of Ward Administration Offices
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/zaisei/citytax/
Are Fire Alarms for Households Installed?
From June 1, 2011, a law requiring all residences to install a fire alarm. Fires start with little carelessness during cooking or not extinguishing tobacco properly. The fire alarms will protect valuable lives and property in emergency situations. If you have not installed it yet, make sure to install it.
Install Fire Alarms Correctly
Following three locations are required to have fire alarms installed under the ordinance of the City.
- Kitchen
- Bedroom
- Staircase
(If bedroom is on second floor or above)
Fire alarms may not show effect if installed incorrectly or unsuitable location. If a fire alarm is already installed check if it’s installed in a correct location.
*The city does not do door-to-door sales.
When installing on the wall
Install at a position that has about 15 to 50 cm distance between the ceiling and the center of the alarm.
When installing on the ceiling
There should be more than 60 cm distance between the wall and center of the alarm.
If there is a vent of air conditioners or etc., place it 15 cm away from it.
Case which damage was reduced
Fire started because of leaving a pan on fire. A person passing by notice the alarm and called 119 and damage was minimal.
What to do after installing an alarm
- Wipe off adhered dust
- Regularly check if it operates
- Check the batteries and don’t leave it empty
Inquiries: Fire Prevention Division, Fire Bureau (TEL 334-6605 FAX 334-6610)
We Support Good Working Environments!
The city certifies and awards Yokohama Good Balance Award to workplaces that promote an environment which women can exhibit their abilities and men and women can work together comfortably. This year, 11 workplaces were certified and 3 of them were awarded.
Award Winners 2011
(School) Iwasaki Gakuen [Nishi Ward]
- High recruitment rate of females for management posts
- Community contribution through afterschool children’s club and re-employment support seminars for women, etc.
(Cooperation) Fuji Techno Solutions Co. Inc. [Kohoku Ward]
- High paid leave usage rate
- Introduced stay-home work for those having difficulties commuting
(Medical cooperation) YUAI Clinic [Kohoku Ward]
- 100% usage of childcare leave and 100% returning after childcare or family-care
- Subscribed to income security insurance to solve worries in case of accidents and sickness
Inquiries: Gender Equality Promotion Division, Civic Affairs Bureau (TEL 671-2017 FAX 663-3431)
http://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/shimin/danjo/hyoshou/
Message from Satoshi Furukawa
A message arrived from Satoshi Furukawa, astronaut of JAXA who returned from space last November.
I would like to thank the people of Yokohama for supporting me. I was able to complete the five month and a half long mission at the International Space Station. I ran 25 assignments (70 experiments) and also helped experiments of U.S. and Europe. For example, development of new medicine through experiment on crystalline growth of proteins and data collected from the bodies of astronauts help the lives of people onEarth and, I hope, is a preparation for an age where everyone can go to space.
During the break between jobs, I had a chance to look at Yokohama through the window. I was stunned with the contrast between the blue see was beautiful during the afternoon and I could sense the vivid home city at night. I sincerely hope for the continued prosperity of everyone and Yokohama.
Photo: JAXA/NASA/Bill Ingalls
Satoshi Furukawa
Born in Yokohama. Using the experience of working as a doctor and became an astronaut. Was assigned to a mission in the International Space Station from June. 167 days is the longest single space mission for a Japanese.
Inquiries: Public Relations Division, Civic Affairs Bureau (TEL 671-3741 FAX 661-2351)