A Notice from Kure City August, 2026（English）

【Removal of Daycare Fee for Children Ages 0-2 Years・ Removal of Usage Fee for the Kodomo Daredemo Commute Program】

Removal of Daycare Fee for Children Ages 0-2 Years
Beginning October, daycares will no longer charge a daycare fee for children ages 0-2 years.
Paperwork will be required to have the fee waived for non-recognized* daycare facilities.
* Note: “Non-recognized” daycare facilities are those that do not meet the national standard per the Child Welfare Act.

Removal of Usage Fee for the Kodomo Daredemo Commute Program
Along with the removal of the daycare fee for children ages 0-2 years, the Kodomo Daredemo Commute Program usage fee (￥300/hour) will also be removed.

※For more information, please check the「Kure-Kosodate」homepage. ↓
Japanese：https://kure-kosodate.com/
English：https://kure–kosodate-com.translate.goog/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja&_x_tr_pto=wapp
※Note: The English version is an automatic translation. Please refer to the original Japanese for accuracy.

▼Contact
Kodomo-sisetsu-ka　TEL：0823-25-3174
Kure International Exchange Association　TEL：0823-25-5607

【Starting with Awareness – Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) Diversity】

We each have our own personal traits that make us the individuals we are. When it comes to questions like who we are attracted to and what we consider our own genders, a certain number of us differs from the majority.

Q. What is “SOGI”?
SOGI is a word used to describe “sexuality” for all people.
・Sexual Orientation (SO): The innate quality that determines who an individual is and is not attracted to.
・Gender Identity (GI): What one considers their own gender to be (i.e. man, woman, neither, etc.). Gender identity is not a special trait, but rather an important characteristic all people possess.

Q. Why is it now important to understand SOGI?
Sexual orientation and gender identity are important characteristics involved in expressing oneself. However, due to biases and/or a lack of understanding from peers, some individuals are left with nobody to turn to, struggling alone with feelings of isolation and hurt dignity. Let us all keep SOGI in mind when interacting with the members of our families, schools, workplaces, and overall community.

Q. What can we do to help?
Let’s first start with “Awareness”. If we judge another based solely on their appearance or way of speaking, ask about their gender or romantic life in ways that make them uncomfortable, we may end up hurting them without even realizing. Rather than try to eliminate the “differences” between us, let us accept them as a natural part of life. Let us value the person in front of us for the individual they are, and when someone is struggling, come to their side in support. These small acts of kindness will lead to a welcoming community in which everyone can live with peace of mind while being true to themselves.

▼Contact
Kure International Exchange Association　TEL：0823-25-5607

【A multilingual life guidebook has been published】
Even if you leave a company, you are still required to be covered by health insurance in case of illness or injury. If you are no longer eligible for health insurance, please follow one of the following procedures:
“The Kure Life Guidebook for Foreigners” has been published in English, Chinese, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. It contains a lot of useful information for foreigners about life and administrative procedures.
It is distributed free of charge at the International Exchange Center on the 1st floor of the Kure City Hall, Tobu Chiku Foreign Resident Comprehensive Consultation Counter in Hiro Shimin Center, and every local Civic Center.
You can also download it from the Kure International Exchange Association’s website.