Finding Your Local International Association and Help Desks
You do not have to solve every question alone. Across Japan, international associations and public consultation centers offer information and advice for foreign residents, often in several languages. This guide shows where to find them.
What international associations do
Japan has regional international associations (chiiki kokusaika kyōkai, 地域国際化協会) at the prefecture and city level, and international exchange associations (kokusai kōryū kyōkai, 国際交流協会) run in many cities and towns. Their work includes:
- Information about daily life in several languages
- Consultation desks for daily-life questions
- Multilingual materials for disasters
How to find the one near you
CLAIR, the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, keeps a nationwide list of regional and municipal international associations. Search it by the prefecture and city where you live.
The Foreign Residents Support Center in Tokyo
The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC, 外国人在留支援センター) brings several government offices together in one place, so you can get help with different questions in one visit. Offices there include:
- The Immigration Services Agency and the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- The human rights department of the Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau
- The Japan Legal Support Center (Hōterasu)
- Employment consultation for foreign workers
FRESC is on the 13th floor of Yotsuya Tower, connected to JR Yotsuya Station. It is open 9:00 to 17:00 on weekdays, and consultation is free.
Information by phone
The Immigration Services Agency runs the Foreign Residents General Information Center (gaikokujin zairyū sōgō infomēshon sentā, 外国人在留総合インフォメーションセンター). It answers general questions about entry and residence procedures.
- Phone: 0570-013904 (from IP phones and abroad: 03-5796-7112)
- Hours: 8:30 to 17:15, weekdays (closed on weekends, holidays, and December 29 to January 3)
- Languages: Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Myanmar, and Sinhala
The center gives general guidance. It cannot tell you the status of your own application.
Japanese words you'll see
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 国際交流協会 | kokusai kōryū kyōkai | International exchange association. |
| 相談 | sōdan | Consultation, asking for advice. |
| 窓口 | madoguchi | Service counter or help desk. |
| 多言語 | tagengo | Multilingual. |
| 通訳 | tsūyaku | Interpreter, interpretation. |
Questions families ask
What is an international association?
A local organization that supports exchange between residents from different countries. Many provide information and consultation in several languages.
How do I find the one near me?
CLAIR, the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, publishes a nationwide list of regional and municipal international associations.
Is there a place where several government offices help in one visit?
Yes. The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) in Tokyo brings together offices for immigration, human rights, legal support, and employment. Consultation is free.
Which languages does the immigration information line support?
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepali, Thai, Myanmar, and Sinhala.
Sources
This guide is based on information published by CLAIR and Japan's Immigration Services Agency. Hours and services can change, so check the official page before you visit or call.
- CLAIR: International associations (地域国際化協会・国際交流協会)
- CLAIR: Regional international associations (地域国際化協会)
- Immigration Services Agency: Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC)
- Immigration Services Agency: Foreign Residents General Information Center
Practice introducing yourself when you visit in Japanese Talk: Self Introduction.