Living Support

New to Fukuoka, or not comfortable in Japanese? Our staff go with you to set up utilities, ward office registration, a phone and a bank account.

Our staff go with you
Mandarin and Cantonese spoken
Open to anyone

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Who this is for

New to Fukuoka
You don't know Japanese procedures yet, or where to start.
Not comfortable in Japanese
Japanese forms, phone calls or conversations at the counter are hard for you.
Short on time
You are busy and would rather leave it to someone who knows the process.

What we help with

Our own staff handle these six items directly, listed in the order you will usually need them. Choose only what you need.

Before moving in
- Electricity, gas and water
  We contact the power, water and gas companies for you, book the gas turn-on and explain how the bills are paid.
- Rental furniture and appliances
  We arrange rental furniture and appliances for your move-in date, so you can settle in from day one.
Within 14 days of moving in
- Ward office procedures and interpreting
  We go with you to the ward office for resident registration, National Health Insurance and similar procedures, and interpret on the spot.
After resident registration
- Mobile phone contract
  We help you compare plans and prepare the documents, and go with you to sign up.
- Opening a bank account
  We go with you to the bank and help with the application form and the staff's questions.
Any time after moving in
- Shopping for everyday items
  We go shopping with you for daily necessities and household items, and show you good shops nearby.

Need something else? Just ask

For the needs below, we can introduce partners. For anything else, contact us and we will talk it through with you.

Ask about something else

Partner introductions

Moving companies: We introduce moving companies to carry your belongings and furniture.
Schools: We introduce schools for your children or for language study.
Clinics: We introduce clinics where you can see a doctor in English.
Visa applications and renewals: We introduce an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) for visa applications, changes and renewals.
Finding work: We introduce recruitment agencies.

Partners provide their own services and confirm their fees and terms with you directly.

How to arrange support

Tell us what you need
List the tasks you need help with, the dates and the places.
We send a quote first
We check the details and send a quote, and only arrange anything once you agree.
We set a date and go with you
We schedule the date, and our staff go with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

See all questions

Can I use Living Support if I didn't rent or buy through you?

Yes, anyone can apply. Just tell us what you need, when and where.

Can you help with resident registration, a bank account or a phone?

Yes. Resident registration must be done at the ward office within 14 days of moving in, and our staff can go with you and interpret on the spot. We can also go with you to sign a phone contract and open a bank account. You need to be there in person for these procedures.

How do I set up electricity, water and gas when I move in?

You usually apply to each company yourself: electricity and water can be arranged online or by phone, while gas needs an appointment for a technician to turn it on, with you or someone acting for you present. It is best to arrange this one to two weeks before moving in.

If Japanese is difficult for you, we can also contact the companies and book the appointments for you.

Read the related guide

How much does Living Support cost?

Fees are quoted per item. Tell us the tasks, dates and places, and we will confirm the details and send a quote; we only arrange anything once you agree.