Informational Newsletter for English-Speaking Residents “Hiroshima NOW” December 2025 (English No. 44)
Informational Newsletter for English Speaking Residents
The latest volume of Hiroshima NOW is here! ➡ PDF [4.93MB]
Articles in Hiroshima NOW are excerpts from Hiroshima Shimin to Shisei, a free newspaper produced by the City of Hiroshima. This monthly newsletter is published in English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Simplified Japanese.
Hiroshima Shimin to Shisei is available to view on the city’s website. It can also be translated via an automatic translation app into various languages.
🎅 Table of Contents
1. Seasonal events information
2. Creating a better now in order to secure a better tomorrow for children
3. Be careful of fires caused by electrical appliances
4. Prepare for earthquakes and tsunami
5. Changes to minimum wage in Hiroshima Prefecture
6. Be careful of food poisoning by Norovirus
7. Applications for April 2026 enrollment in nursery school
8. Applications for April 2026 enrollment in after-school children
10. Livelihood Support Centers: Kurashi Sapōto Sentā
11. Remember dog-walking etiquette
12. Holiday trash collection scheduleDuring new year’s holiday seasons (12/31 to 1/3) and January 12
1. Seasonal events information
TGC (Tokyo Girls Collection) Hiroshima 2025: Welcome Christmas Event
😊 TGC (Tokyo Girls Collection) is one of the biggest fashion events in Japan, presenting runway shows by popular models and music performances. This year, TGC will be held for the first time in eight years in Hiroshima at the
Hiroshima Prefectural Sports Center called “Hiroshima Green Arena” on December 6 (Tickets are sold out). As part of this fashion event, the Welcome Christmas Event will be held on the same day at the Kamiya-cho Shareo
Date & Time：Saturday, October 6 11 am–6 pm
Venue： Kamiya-cho Shareo, Chuo Hiroba
Access：① Get off at Kamiya-cho Higashi, Kamiya-cho Nishi, or Hondori streetcar stop
② Hondori or Kencho-mae Astramline station
Fee: Free
Inquiries：The Chugoku Shimbun Co., Ltd. Tel. 082-236-2342 (Mon.–Fri. 9:30 am–5:30 pm)
URL: https://event.tarupo.jp/event/14930
Hiroshima Christmas Market 2025
Date & Time：Friday, December 5–Thursday, December 25
Monday to Friday 4 pm–9 pm
Saturday & Sunday 11 am–9 pm
Venue：Hiroshima Gate Park Plaza
Access：Get off at Gembaku-dome-mae or Kamiya-cho Nishi streetcar stop
Fee：Free
【Admission fee required on December 24 & 25】
Advanced 1,000 yen
At the door 1,500 yen *Cashless payment only
Program：Stalls selling food, drink and Christmas goods, workshops, stage performances, etc..
Inquires：The Chugoku Shimbun Co., Ltd. Tel. 082-236-2342 (Mon.–Fri. 9:30 am–5:30 pm)
URL: https://hiroshima-christmas.com/index.html
German-style Christmas Market in Hiroshima 2025
Date & Time：Friday, December 19–Sunday, December 21 Noon–8:30 pm
Note: Closed by 7 pm on the last day, December 21
Venue：NTT CRED Motomachi 1F, Fureai Hiroba
Access：Get off at Kamiya-cho Higashi or Kamiya-cho Nishi streetcar stop
Program: Food and drink stalls, selling Christmas goods, stage performances, etc.
Inquires：German-style Christmas Market Hiroshima Event Committee
Email: info@hiroshima-christmasmarket.jp
URL: https://hiroshima-christmasmarket.jp/
New Year’s Ceremonies at Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
😊 “Hatsu-mōde” is the first New Year’s visit to a shrine or temple. People get up early on the morning of new year’s day and make a first-of-the-year visit to the shrine or temple to wish for good health and happiness in the coming year. At Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine many festive performances such as Miko dance, and a Shakuhachi performance will be carried out and Omiki, sacred sake, will also be served during the first three days of the new year. Many people visit and create a joyous mood.
Date & Time：Thursday, January 1–Saturday, January 3
Venue： Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine
Access：① 10 minutes walk from Kamiya-cho Higashi streetcar stop
② 8 minutes walk from the Hiroshima Bus Center
Inquires：Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine Tel 082-221-5590
URL: https://www.h-gokoku.or.jp/URL:
◉ Thursday, January 1
Performances:
From midnight onward Kagura Performance (Miko dance)
From 10:00 am onward Saitan-sai Festival
From 10:30 am onward Gin-ei* Performance
*Gin-ei is a recitation of Chinese or Japanese poems.
◉ Friday, January 2
Performances:
From 10:00 am onward Futsuka-sai Festival
From 1:00 pm onward Shakuhachi* performance
*Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute.
◉ Saturday, January 3
Performances:
From 10:00 am onward Genshi-sai Festival
From 10:30 am onward Kyudo* performance
*Kyudo is the Japanese martial art of archery.
From 11:00 am onward Youkyoku* performance
*Youkyoku is a recitation in the Noh performance style.
2. Creating a better now in order to secure a better tomorrow for children
If you know someone who might be the victim of child abuse, call right away. Your actions might help save the life of a child.
189 (Toll free)
Note: 189 is the number for all child abuse cases around the country. When you call, via any phone, your call will be redirected to the consultation center nearest you (If you call via a smartphone or mobile phone, an operator will transfer you call to the relevant consultation center). Please note these services are in Japanese.
Consultation for parent-child issues on the LINE app
Consultations regarding parent and child relations are also accepted through the LINE app. Please take advantage of this service, feel free to contact them for advice even if you feel it might be frivolous. In case of emergency, the staff may request relevant institutions to secure the children’s safety.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 12 noon – 10 pm
How to use: Install the LINE app; add “LINE friends (友だちTomodachi)” by canning the QR code
Consultation Services Related to Child Care Tel. 082-263-0694
⭐ Children’s Counseling Office (JidōSōdan-sho) (15-55 Hikari-machi 2-chome, Higashi-ku)
Please note these services are in Japanese, notify them if you need an interpreter.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:15 pm
🔹Closed on national/public holidays, weekends, August 6 and December 29 – January 3
▶ 24-hour telephone consultation for child abuse
If you notice that something may be going on or need advice, please call the Children’s Counseling Office
(Jidō Sōdan-sho). Theywill accept your call 24-hours a day.
Counseling Corner for Children & Families (Kodomo Katei Sōdan Center)
(Located at the Mutual Community Support Division (Chiiki Sasaeai Ka) of each ward office)
| Ward | Telephone | Ward | Telephone |
| Naka | 082-504-2739 | Asaminami | 082-831-5017 |
| Higashi | 082-568-7794 | Asakita | 082-819-0639 |
| Minami | 082-250-4160 | Aki | 082-821-2827 |
| Nishi | 082-294-6519 | Saeki | 082-943-9773 |
Please note these services are in Japanese, notify them if you need an interpreter.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 5:15 pm
🔹Closed on national/public holidays, weekends, August 6 and December 29 – January 3
Inquires: Children’s Counseling Center (Jidō Sōdan-Sho) Tel. 082-263-0694
3. Be careful of fires caused by electrical appliances
The number of fires related to electrical appliances, such as those using lithium-ion batteries, has increased this year. It is essential to make a habit of certain measures to protect against disaster.
Lithium-ion batteries are a kind of rechargeable battery that are typically used widely. They are frequently found in smartphones, laptops, portable fans, power banks, handheld game consoles, and e-cigarettes.
Lithium-ion batteries can burst into flames when hit with a strong impact or when left in high heats, such as inside the car in midsummer. Please read safety information before using electrical appliances and use them in a safe manner. Additionally, please try to only use qualified batteries marked with the “PSE mark”.
Causes of fire
● High temperatures: leaving devices near heaters or in cars during summer heat
● Impact: deformity or damage caused by dropping devices or other impacts
● Immersion: water getting into the components
👆Any of these can increase risks of fire, so avoid reckless use and consult with the store you purchased the appliance from
● Disposal: If appliances are thrown out with regular garbage they can be impacted in the collection vehicle which is dangerous.
For information about proper disposal please visit the below link.
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/gomi-kankyo/1021277/1003072/1026095/1026096/1003181.html
Inquiries: Fire Services Bureau, Fire Prevention Division (Shōbō-kyoku, Yobō Ka） Tel. 082-546-3476
4. Prepare for earthquakes and tsunami
It has been predicted that in the next 30 years there is a 60-90% chance of the Nankai Trough megathrust colossal earthquake. Even in Hiroshima city, there is predicted to be considerable damage and danger. Take this opportunity to familiarize yourself with protections against earthquakes and tsunami.
Inquiries: Crisis Management Office, Disaster Prevention Division (Kiki Kanri Shitsu, Saigai YobōKa)
Tel. 082-504-2664
Prepare food and water rations
● Food and water for at least 3 days
☑ Prepare a little less food than you would typically ☑ Instant or retort pouch foods
☑ Snacks ☑ Canned Foods ☑ 3 liters per day of water per person
● Essentials
☑ Radio ☑ Flashlight ☑ Gas and stove ☑ Cling film for food wrapping
☑ Heater packs ☑ Basic medicine ☑ Portable toilet ☑ Masks
Confirm your designated evacuation shelter
Familiarize yourself ahead of time with nearby high ground and your designated evacuation shelter for tsunami.
Please evacuate to your designated evacuation shelter when there is imminent danger of tsunami.
If while you are on your way to the designated evacuation shelter the tsunami risk becomes imminent, please instead take shelter in a nearby sturdy building or flood shelter. You can confirm evacuation sites and other information using the tsunami hazard map. https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/language/yasashii/1033424/1033435/1013439.html
5. Changes to minimum wage in Hiroshima Prefecture
This year, the minimum wage for Hiroshima Prefecture has changed to 1,085 yen per hour. Minimum wage applies to all workers who work in Hiroshima Prefecture, regardless of age, gender, form of employment, etc.
Inquiries: Hiroshima Labor Bureau, Wage Office (Hiroshima Rōdō Kyoku Chingin Shitsu) Tel: 082-221-9244
6. Be careful of food poisoning by Norovirus
Norovirus is highly infectious, and even a small amount can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Learn about the virus and protect against food poisoning.
Norovirus Key Traits
▩ Oysters, clams and other shellfish can contain viruses and bacteria that cause illness. Ingestion of shellfish that has not been sufficiently heated poses a high risk for norovirus infection.
▩ Norovirus only grows in the human intestine. The vomit or excrement of the infected contains large amounts of the virus. By touching contaminated objects or surface you can catch norovirus through your unwashed hands and fingers.
▩ When contaminated objects such as the vomit of a virus carrier become dried, norovirus can be found airborne as dust. This can spread norovirus when people ingest the virus orally.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and fever. Symptoms normally develop 24-48 hours after exposure.
🔹Sudden nausea and vomiting are distinctive symptoms of norovirus.
🔹Most people with norovirus get better within a few days and do not experience after-effects.
🔹Some people with norovirus do not develop any symptoms.
🔹Especially children and older adults are more likely to develop severe infections. Vomit can get stuck in the trachea, causing suffocation or aspiration pneumonia, infrequently leading to death. So please stay mindful.
4 Rules to Prevent Food Poisoning
① Keep the virus out of the kitchen
When you feel unwell, do not prepare or cook food.
② Keep the virus off of your food
Wash your hands with soap before eating, so that the virus does not spread from your hands to your food.
③ Cook thoroughly
Make sure that food is cooked right through to the center.
Cook at 85 ℃ or higher for 90 seconds or longer.
④ Disinfect
Disinfect cooking spaces with a bleach-based household cleaner.
Proper Hand Washing is Important! Let’s be Sure to Use Soap!
80 % of norovirus infection is caused by eating contaminated foods that had prepared by the infected. Using soap and properly washing your hands is effective. Alcohol based disinfectants are ineffectual against norovirus. Be careful to clean areas where dirt can easily buildup unnoticed, such as the tips of your fingers, and the gaps between them. Washing your hands a second time will further protect you.
Inquiries: Food Sanitation Department (Shokuhin Hoken Ka) Tel. 082-241-7434
7. Applications for April 2026 enrollment in nursery school
The primary application period for April 2026 enrollment in nursery schools has begun and, beginning on November 21, applications are now being accepted at the Welfare Division (Fukushi Ka) of each ward office.
Who is eligible?
Parents or guardians who cannot take care of their children at home during the day because of work, health conditions, family affairs, etc., and are either:
➀ Parents or guardians applying for the first time for April 2026 entry into nursery school
➁ Parents or guardians who have applied for nursery school, but have not yet been admitted
Available nursery schools
Available school information is shown in the list of schools, which is provided in print at nursery schools and on the City of Hiroshima website.
Spaces are available at:
▨ Public or private nursery schools (保育園, Hoikuen）
▨ Public or private certified child care centers （認定こども園, Nintei-kodomo-en）
*Exclusively for 2-gō and 3-gō Nintei Bubun (2 & 3号認定部分)
▨ Private small childcare services (小規模保育事業所, Shōkibo-hoiku-jigyōsho)
▨ Daycare facilities established in places of business (事業所内保育事業所, Jigyōsho-nai-hoiku-jigyōsho)
*Exclusively for local community users
How to apply
Submit the required documents to the Welfare Division (Fukushi Ka) of your nearest ward office. Online applications are also accepted. For more information about online applications, please see the City’s official website.
Documents you will need to prepare
For people applying for the first time
A completed application form and a formal document stating that your child needs care.
Application forms and the list of available schools can be downloaded from the City’s website and are available at:
▨ The Welfare Division (Fukushi Ka) of all ward offices
▨ Branch offices
▨ The available nursery schools
For people who have applied, but have not yet been admitted
The Welfare Division (Fukushi Ka) of the ward office for the area where you want your child to attend will send you any necessary documents by mail.
Application period
▨ Apply directly to the ward office
Until January 13 (Tue), 2026
Offices are open from 8:30 am to 5 pm on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
▨ Online
Until December 21 (Sun), 2025
[Temporary extended hours]
The Welfare Division will accept applications on the following dates and times,
in addition to regular business hours:
December 18 (Thu), 2025 & January 6 (Tue), 2026 8:30 am – 8 pm
Sunday, December 14, 2025 9:30 am – 4 pm
What do I do if my applications are put on hold or I don’t make my submission in time?
You can apply during the secondary application period.
Secondary application period
▨ Apply directly to the ward office
February 20, 24, 25 and 27, 2026 8:30 am – 5 pm
February 26, 2026 8:30 am – 8 pm
▨ Online
From February 20 (Fri) to February 22 (Sun), 2026
Can I apply for 2026 February or March enrollment?
Your application for 2026 February or March enrollment will be accepted until January 13 (Tue), 2026. For more details, refer to the official City of Hiroshima website.
Inquires: Welfare Division (Fukushi Ka) of your local ward office
| Ward | Telephone | Ward | Telephone |
| Naka | 082-504-2569 | Asaminami | 082-831-4945 |
| Higashi | 082-568-7733 | Asakita | 082-819-0605 |
| Minami | 082-250-4131 | Aki | 082-821-2813 |
| Nishi | 082-294-6342 | Saeki | 082-943-9732 |
For more details, refer to the official City of Hiroshima website (in Japanese):
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/kosodate/1021251/1025852/1003487.html
8. Applications for April 2026 enrollment in after-school children
Hōkago Jidō Clubs (Afterschool Childcare Clubs) are for elementary school students whose parents need childcare services after school and meet certain criteria.
Who is eligible?
Parents or guardians who are not at home due to work etc., and need regular childcare after school for elementary school children until around 5 pm.
◍ Enrolled children will be selected from a pool of applications.
◍ For children whose parents or guardians are employed, their parents or guardians can apply for this service when they are away for work at least 4 days/week.
◍ For more information about requirements, please contact the Municipal Board of Education.
Fee
5,000 yen per month
Note: If you are receiving public assistance (Seikatsu Hogo) and/or medical subsidies, the fee may be reduced to 3,000 yen or waived. For more information, consult with the respective office of the Municipal Board of Education.
How to apply
Apply online or directly to the Hōkago Jidō Club to use this service for the year. Please contact them before you visit. (However applications via postal mail are not accepted.)
◍ For more information including documents that you need to prepare, please contact the Municipal Board of Education.
Application period
Application period differs depending on your child’s grade.
▨ Children in elementary school grades 1, 2or 3 from April 2026
From December 5 (Friday) to December 18 (Thursday), 2025
▨ Children in elementary school grades 4, 5 or 6 from April 2026
From February 6 (Friday) to February 19 (Thursday)
Note: Applications must be submitted within the application period. Please do not forget to apply if you wish to use the service.
▷ For more information, please visit the City of Hiroshima’s official website or call the relevant office.
The City of Hiroshima official website
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/kosodate/1021263/1043593.html
Inquires:
Municipal Board of Education, After-School Care Division (Kyōiku Iinkai Hōkago Taisaku Ka) Tel. 082-242-2014
9. JR train operation between Hiroshima Station and Kaitaichi Station will be suspended the evening of December 7
JR train services between Hiroshima Station and Kaitaichi Station will be suspended from 9:10 pm until the last train time on Sunday, December 7, 2025.
🔹There will be alternative transportation services by bus available.
🚃 Bus congestion and traffic jams are expected on the day. Please therefore allow extra time
when using train services.
For more information including alternative bus services, please check the City of Hiroshima’s official website:
https//www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/doro-kotsu-kasen/1021400/1036726/1045563.html
Inquires: JR-WEST Customer Services Tel. 0570-00-2486
10. Livelihood Support Centers: Kurashi Sapōto Sentā
To help those facing financial difficulties, each of the City’s eight wards have devoted help centers (Kurashi Sapōto Sentā) where individuals can receive guidance to get them back on track.
Consultation services are available to residents who live within city limits and are experiencing financial difficulties (excluding individuals who are currently receiving public welfare, known as seikatsu hogo). Support is offered to both individuals or family members and is conducted on a personal level to fit the needs of each person.
Note: For individuals who are currently receiving public welfare, known as seikatsu hogo, please consult with your local ward office (Seikatsu Ka (Family & Health Services Division)).
For further information, please check their website (Japanese):
https://shakyo-hiroshima.jp/kurashi/kurasap.html
Livelihood Support Centers (Kurashi Sapōto Sentā)
| Ward | Address | Telephone |
| Naka | Ote-machi Heiwa Building 5F (1-1 Ote-machi 4-chome, Naka-ku) |
082-545-8388 |
| Higashi | Higashi-ku Sōgō Fukushi Sentā 4F (9-34 Higashi-kaniya-cho, Higashi-ku) |
082-568-6887 |
| Minami | Minami Ward Office’s annex 3F (4-46 Minami-machi 1-chome, Minami-ku) |
082-250-5677 |
| Nishi | Nishi-ku Chiiki Fukushi Sentā 4F (24-1 Fukushima-cho 2-chome, Nishi-ku) |
082-235-3566 |
| Asaminami | Asaminami-ku Sōgō Fukushi Sentā 5F (38-13 Nakasu 1-chome, Asaminami-ku) |
082-831-1209 |
| Asakita | Asakita-ku Sōgō Fukushi Sentā 4F (19-22 Kabe 3-chome, Asakita-ku) |
082-815-1124 |
| Aki | Aki-ku Sōgō Fukushi Sentā 3F (2-16 Funakoshi-minami 3-chome, Aki-ku) |
082-821-5662 |
| Saeki | Saeki Ward office’s annex 5F (4-5 Kairoen 1-chome, Saeki-ku) |
082-943-8797 |
11. Remember dog-walking etiquette
Walking a dog without a leash in parks or public areas and leaving foul without cleanup are against the rules.
When walking your dog use a leash, and be sure to cleanup and dispose of any fouling that occurs on public or private property. In the name of building the best city we can, let’s be mindful of the rules.
Inquiries: Animal Welfare Center (Dōbutsu AigoSentā) Tel. 082-243-6058
12. Holiday trash collection schedule in November and during new year’s holiday seasons (12/31 to 1/4)
○・・・Garbage is collected ✖・・・Garbage is NOT collected
| National Holiday | Burnable Trash/Plastic Bottles/Recyclable Plastics in your local ward | Recyclable & Harmful Waste/ Non-burnable/Other in your lo cal ward |
| December 31 (Wednesday) to January 3 (Saturday) | ✖ | ✖ |
| January 12 (Monday) (Substitute holiday for Coming of Age Day) | ○ | ○ |
📢 Certain wards have changed their trash collection days for recyclable & harmful waste, non-burnable waste and non-recyclable plastics for January. Please be mindful when taking out the trash.
🖐For more information about waste disposal guidelines, please visit the City of Hiroshima’s official website:
The City of Hiroshima’s official website (Japanese):
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/kateigomi/363649.html
Inquiries: City Office Environmental Bureau, Operation Division I
Tel. 082-504-2220 (Kankyō Kyoku Gyōmu Dai-ichi Ka)
