Q.

I live in Nagoya City. If I am affected by a natural disaster, can I receive any support?

 

In Japan, there is a public disaster relief system called Hisai-sha Shien Seido that helps disaster victims rebuild their lives.

Such support is available only if affected individuals themselves apply at the local government office of their place of residence. The following provides an overview of the system and instructions on how to apply.

 

1. Types of disaster relief programs

There are various support programs in place for natural disasters, but this section mainly covers grant programs (money that does not have to be paid back).

*The following support programs will be available if the Disaster Relief Act is invoked in Nagoya City. (This happens when the national government officially declares a disaster to be severe.)

 

■ Disaster Condolence Grant (Saigai Choi-kin):

It is paid to the bereaved family of those who lost their lives in a disaster.

■Disaster Victims' Life Reconstruction Support Fund (Hisai-sha Seikatsu Saiken Shien-kin):

It is paid to households whose houses have been severely damaged, including cases where they are completely destroyed or more than half destroyed.

■ Disaster Relief Money (Saigai Mimai-kin):

It is paid to households whose houses have sustained serious water damage, including cases where large amounts of water have entered the structure.

■ Disaster Disability Compensation Payment (Saigai Shogai Mimai-kin)

It is paid to those who suffer severe mental or physical disabilities caused by injuries or illnesses resulting from a disaster.

 

In addition, there are other kinds of support, such as assistance with clearing debris (such as stones or soil) from around the house, minor repairs to the house, programs that provide reductions or exemptions for insurance premiums and taxes, and loan programs for single-parent families and for widows or widowers (those who are without a spouse due to death or divorce).

You can find out more about Nagoya City's disaster relief efforts on the following website (lists available in Japanese only). https://www.city.nagoya.jp/bosaikikikanri/page/0000159186.html

*These programs have specific conditions and eligibility requirements and are not always available to everyone at any time.

 

★In the case of foreign residents affected by a disaster, special arrangements may be made--for example, allowing them to complete residence status procedures even after the designated period has passed.

 

2. How to apply for disaster relief programs

When applying for a support program, a "Disaster Victim Certificate (Risai Shomeisho)" is often required as one of the necessary documents.

The first step in obtaining support is to apply for this certificate.

 

A Disaster Victim Certificate is a document that assesses and certifies the extent of damage to the house you live in caused by a disaster. When applying for a certificate, you will need to provide photos that show the damage. Therefore, it is important to take photos of the damage inside and outside your home before cleaning up.

In Nagoya City, you can apply for the certificate at the General Affairs Division of your ward office or online. (In the event of a major disaster, the application procedures will be announced separately.) From the following website, you can download the form "Application for Issuance of a Disaster Victim Certificate (Risai Shomeisho)." (The form is provided only in Japanese.)

https://www.city.nagoya.jp/sportsshimin/page/0000161325.html

*To issue the certificate, an inspector will visit your home to confirm the extent of the damage. Since the inspection schedule needs to be coordinated and the damage verified, issuing the certificate may take some time.

 

A Disaster Victim Certificate certifies the extent of damage by classifying it into one of six levels, such as "Complete Destruction" or "Partial Damage."

Based on this classification, your eligibility for disaster support will be determined. If you are eligible, the classification also affects the amount of benefits or loans you may receive.

Complete destruction	Partial destruction on a large scale	Partial destruction on a medium scale	Partial destruction	Less than half destruction	Partial damage
50% or more	40% or more but less than 50%	30% or more but less than 40%	20% or more but less than 30%	10% or more but less than 20%	Less than 10%

*For more information, please visit the following webpage: "Disaster Management in Japan" on the Cabinet Office's website.

　https://www.bousai.go.jp/taisaku/unyou.html

 

 

★The Nagoya International Center (NIC) has published webpages with links to disaster prevention and preparedness materials for foreign residents.

　- Disaster awareness materials for foreign residents: https://x.gd/3nhyL

- Disaster-related information links (available in multiple languages): https://x.gd/i68b6