Daily Life

Garbage

Each area specifies how to separate the garbage and has its own garbage collection days, times and places. You should follow the local rules to separate your garbage correctly and put it out on the designated day. Check with the municipal government office to learn the garbage disposal rules of your area.
To dispose of some electrical household appliances, you will need to pay a recycle fee. Appliances include such things as air conditioners, televisions, fridges, and washing machines. For details, please contact the store where you purchased the item or where you intend to buy a new one, or ask your municipal government office.

Things to check about garbage disposal in your area:

• Location
• How to distinguish burnable and non-burnable garbage
• Categories of recyclable waste (bottles, cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, etc.)
• Days and times for collection of each type of garbage
• How to dispose of over-sized items
• Whether or not specified disposal bags must be used

Paying Electricity, Water, Gas Bills

The amount shown on the bill should be paid before the due date at a bank, post office or convenience store. You can arrange to pay by automatic bank or postal account transfer.

Neighborhood Associations

Neighborhood associations conduct various activities for residents and the neighborhood community. Participating in such activities is not only a great way to get to know your neighbors but is also important for preventing or mitigating disasters. Association members pay a monthly or annual fee and the money is used for the community.

【Examples of Residents’ Association Activities】

• Cleaning/improving the neighborhood environment
  Community cleaning days, management of garbage collection
• Promoting local safety
  Disaster prevention and mitigation activities such as local disaster response training events
• Collaboration with seniors’ associations, children’s associations, etc.

Postal Services

Post offices provide a variety of services. They are usually open from 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays only but post offices with YuYu Madoguchi counters and postoffices inside large shopping malls may also be open on weekday nights as well as on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays. Times differ depending on the post office, so please check before you go.

🏢Post offices that are open on weekends and in the evenings: Takamatsu Chuo, Takamatsu Minami, Takamatsu Higashi, Marugame, Sakaide, Zentsuji, Kan-onji, Nagao, Kotohira, Tonosho, Fuji Grand Marugame, youme Town Takamatsu, AEON Mall Ayagawa.

Cellphone and Internet Service

Fees for cellphone and internet services depend on the company so we recommend that you compare prices before making a contract. If you have any problems when you move, contact your cellphone or internet company.

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)

If your TV is capable of receiving the NHK station, you are required by law to sign a contract with NHK and pay NHK reception fees. Please ask NHK for details.

For detailed information on daily life in Japan, please see Chapter 12 Daily Rules and Customs of the Guidebook on Living and Working on the website of the Immigration Services Agency.