When You Move In

After moving in, you will be starting life in your new home. If you live in group housing, it is important to always remember to keep the volume of noise down so that you will not be a nuisance to your neighbors. Noise from everyday living, such as conversations, TV/radio, and household noises (noise from the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, laundry machines, and vacuum cleaners), can be heard by your neighbors. Footsteps in the hallways or stairwell at night, conversations through an open window, and the opening/closing of doors can be surprisingly loud. Noises in the middle of the night particularly can cause lack of sleep. Please be careful about maintaining a peaceful and quiet environment.
In addition, if you do not fulfill the eligibility requirements and observe the restrictions (prohibited matters) written in the rental contract, this will often lead to trouble with the neighbors, and you may even be asked by the landlord to move out of the premises. Please be aware of this. Troubles arise especially if you increase the number of people living with you, let your friends borrow your home, keep pets (pets are not allowed in many places), keep your personal belongings in the hallway or stairwell, or violate the rules for garbage disposal.
Be particularly careful about observing the rules for garbage disposal. Separate your garbage and take it to the appropriate garbage collection site in designated containers or garbage bags on the morning of the collection day.
If you plan to move out before the end of the contact term, be sure to tell your landlord (or real estate agent) no later than the date designated in the rental contract.

Neighborly Ties

To make friends with Japanese people and become a part of the community, it is important to take the initiative to talk with your neighbors. When moving into a new place, it is customary to pay a visit to formally greet your next-door neighbors. It is also important to participate in town councils and other neighborhood activities. Town councils and local children’s associations hold recycling activities, parties, and other events. You can learn about your community through such events.

Town Councils and Community Groups

Inquiries: Branch Offices Regional Community Division
Tel: 03-5273-3519

Shinjuku City has a local association of town councils for each of its 11 administrative districts. Each association is composed of many town councils and community groups. These councils and groups are independent organizations that voluntarily carry out various activities aimed at promoting friendship and maintaining community safety and security.
Today there are 200 town councils and community groups in Shinjuku City conducting programs in the local community.

Pets

Inquiries: Shinjuku Public Health Center; Maintenance Section, Sanitation Division
Tel: 03-5273-3148

●Pet Dog Registration and Rabies Vaccination
The registration of pet dogs and vaccination against rabies is required by law in Japan, and registration within 30 days of acquiring a dog is required by law as well. Upon registration, you will be issued a dog tag.
Registration is required only once. However, if you move into Shinjuku or from here to another city, notification is required. In addition, if you purchased a microchipped dog at a pet shop, you must register the proper information with the Ministry of the Environment. After you complete registration of the information, the microchip serves as a dog tag, and you do not need to perform any procedures at the Shinjuku City Office.
Your dog must also receive a vaccination against rabies once a year by a veterinarian. After the vaccination, you must report to a Public Health Center or Branch Office and receive proof of vaccination.

●Rules for Dog Owners
○When stepping out to walk your dog, have your dog relieve itself at home before going out.
○Take a bag with you to collect your dog’s waste (to take home and dispose of at home) and some water to clean the area.
○When walking outside, be sure to put your dog on a leash.
○Be sure to attach the dog tag and proof-of-rabies-vaccination tag on your dog’s collar.
○It is a good idea to choose the number, type and size, considering possible changes, such as your age and number of family members.
○Always bear in mind the importance of taking care of your pet throughout its lifetime, with all family members included.
○If you have a pet cat, be sure to neuter/sterilize it, display identification on a collar, etc. and keep your pet indoors.
○In Shinjuku City, you can take your pet (such as a dog, cat, small bird, or small rodents/hamsters) to an evacuation site during a disaster. You should train your pet to behave to handle such situations and prepare meals and equipment (such as toilets) for him/her for evacuation use in advance.

April 1, 2023