Pregnancy and Childcare

Pregnancy and Childbirth in Japan

After a pregnancy is confirmed through a medical examination, the mother should obtain a Maternal and Child Health Handbook from city hall. To receive this handbook, a Pregnancy Notification Form must be submitted. The handbook serves as a comprehensive health record for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, and contains administrative, health, and childcare information. When it is issued, the mother will also receive information on consultation services for health concerns and guidance, as well as subsidy coupons that cover part of the cost of regular health checkups at maternity hospitals from pregnancy to delivery. Foreign nationals are eligible for this support as long as they have a residence card and have registered their place of residence.

While medical insurance in Japan does not cover the costs of childbirth, insured persons can receive a lump-sum childbirth and childcare allowance of up to approximately JPY 500,000. Childbirth costs vary by hospital, but most families pay around JPY 50,000-150,000 out-of-pocket. Additional costs may include private room charges, extended hospital stays, or changes in the delivery method, such as cesarean section or epidural anesthesia.

After the birth, various registration procedures must be completed at city hall, the immigration office, and the embassy or diplomatic institution to ensure the child can receive available support and proper documentation for citizenship and other matter. For more details, please refer to the International Student Handbook or contact the Center for International Students and Scholars (CISS) or the International Affairs Division for guidance and support.

Preventive vaccinations for children

In Japan, there are two types of vaccinations offered to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, standard vaccinations that are administered through local governments free of charge and voluntary vaccinations that children's parents/guardians choose to receive and their costs must be paid by the parents/guardians. (Local governments may offer some financial support for these.) The children of registered foreign nationals who reside in Japan may receive the standard vaccinations free of charge as well. If you will bring your child to Japan, please make sure to bring a record of which vaccinations your child received in your home country. If possible, bring an English translation of your child's vaccination history with you, so that it will be easier to determine the type, timing, and order of the vaccinations to be given in Japan. Also, be sure to consult with a doctor before receiving vaccinations.