October2026

Dispose of Lithium-ion Batteries and Products Containing Them in Yellow Collection Boxes.

Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat and impact, which is why they may cause fires if disposed of alongside regular garbage. 
The City of Sendai collects small rechargeable batteries, including lithium-ion batteries, once a week on collection days for cans, bottles, PET bottles and used batteries. For products with built-in lithium-ion batteries that are difficult to remove, such as portable funs, do not remove the batteries; place the entire product in the yellow collection box at the designated collection site. 
To prevent fires and other accidents, please cooperate by sorting and disposing of batteries properly.

<Examples of Products Containing Lithium-ion Batteries>
Mobile battery packs, smartphones, wireless earbuds, e-cigarettes, and portable fans

<How to Safely Dispose of Lithium-Ion Batteries>

1. Insulate the battery.
   Cover metal parts such as electrodes and charging terminals with clear tape. If the battery is swollen, wrap the entire battery or product with clear tape for insulation.
2. Put it in a bag. 
   Place the battery or product in a transparent plastic bag and seal it securely.
3. Place it in the yellow collection box. 
   Dispose of it on collection days for cans, bottles, PET bottles and used batteries.

Inquiries: Household Waste Reduction Section TEL: 022-214-8229

Tsunami Evacuation Drill

At approximately 9:48 a.m. on November 5 (Thu), a test emergency alert message will be sent to mobile phones and other devices capable of receiving emergency alerts that are located in Miyagino, Wakabayashi, and Taihaku Wards.
Please note that evacuation announcements broadcast through outdoor loudspeakers in the eastern areas of Sendai City will be played at a high volume as part of the drill.
Inquiries: Disaster Risk Reduction Promotion Section TEL: 022-214-3109

Consultations for Starting a Business

(1) Consultations for matters related to starting a business
Date and time: October 21 (Wed) 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
Who it is for: Those who are considering starting a business in Miyagi Prefecture or have just started a business. (Limited to the first 30 applicants.) 
(2) Consultations for foreign entrepreneurs
Date and time: October 22 (Thu) 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Who it is for: Foreign residents, including international students, who are interested in starting a business in Sendai City or have been running a business for approximately 5 years or less. (Limited to the first 10 applicants.)

• Venue: AER Building 7F
• Contents: Individual consultations with relevant experts on starting/running a business
• How to apply: Apply through the Sendai City Entrepreneurship Support Center website from 9:00 a.m. on October 6. Applications for item (1) are also accepted by phone or email (Please include any relevant information and details related to your case).

Inquiries: Sendai City Industrial Promotion Organization 
TEL: 022-724-1124 / Email: assista@siip.city.sendai.jp

Applications Open for Use of Childcare Facilities and Services in April 2027

(1) Childcare Facilities and Services
Eligibility / Available Facilities and Services: 
<Residents of Sendai City whose child is under 3 years old（born on or after April 2, 2024）>
→Nursery schools, Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care (nursery section only), Home-like Childcare Services, Small-Scale Childcare Services, and Workplace Childcare Services
<Residents of Sendai City whose child is 3 years old or older（born between April 2 of 2021 and April 1 of 2024）>
→Nursery schools and Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care (nursery section only)

• Requirements: 
  Applicants must obtain certification of need for childcare. Certification is available for those who are unable to care for their child due to work, pregnancy, childbirth, illness, disability, caring for relatives, disaster recovery, job seeking, schooling, or similar circumstances.
• Application period: November 2 (Mon) to December 3 (Thu), 2026
• If you have already applied for childcare services in FY2026 but have not yet been admitted, you must submit a new application guide if you wish to use childcare services from April 2027.
• Please refer to the Application Guide for details on eligibility requirements, available facilities, and application procedures. The guide will be available from October 13 at the Childcare and Benefit Section of ward offices and the Public Health and Welfare Section of Miyagi General Branch Office. It can also be downloaded from the Sendai City website.

How to apply:
Submit the application form included with the Application Guide to the Childcare and Benefit Section of the ward office that has jurisdiction over your first-choice facility (or the Public Health and Welfare Section of Miyagi General Branch Office, if applicable). Online applications are also available. For details, please visit the Sendai City website.

(2) Kindergartens and Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care（kindergarten section only）

• All private kindergartens and Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care provide extended childcare services.
• Some facilities offer extended childcare hours comparable to those provided by nursery schools.
• Please contact each facility directly about application periods, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.

Inquiries: 
(1) Childcare and Benefit Section of ward offices, Public Health and Welfare Section of Miyagi General Branch
(2) Childcare Approval and Subsidy Section TEL: 022-214-8655

Accepting Requests for Free Early Childhood Education and Care

To receive benefits under the Free Early Childhood Education and Care Program, eligible users must submit a request. Please complete the necessary procedures if you are eligible.

• Eligibility: 
  Individuals who have received Facility Use Benefit Certification (New Category 2 or New Category 3) and use extended childcare services at kindergartens or Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care, non-licensed childcare facilities, temporary childcare services, childcare services for sick children, or the Sendai Sukusuku ("Healthy Growth") Support Program.
• Eligible period: July 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026
• Request deadline: October 20 (Tue), 2026
• For further details, please visit the Sendai City website.

Inquiries: Sendai City Free Early Childhood Education and Care Office　TEL: 0120-587-287

Tax Notices

The Due Date for Inhabitant Tax Payments Is on November 2 (Mon).

Please pay the third installment of your FY 2026 Inhabitant Tax at a financial institution or other payment location by November 2 (Mon). If you use automatic bank transfer, payment will be withdrawn from your account on November 2 (Mon).
Inquiries: Tax Collection and Administration Section TEL: 022-214-1010
Please check the Inhabitant Tax deducted from your pension payments beginning in October.
A notice was sent in June to taxpayers who were 65 years of age or older as of April 1, 2026, and whose Inhabitant Tax is deducted from their public pension payments. Please check the notice for the amount deducted and the type of public pension subject to the deduction.
Inquiries: Inhabitant Tax Section TEL: 022-214-1009

Tax Office Counter Service Hours will Change to 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Starting October 1, 2026, service counter hours at tax offices will change to 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please consider using online services, such as e-TAX and cashless tax payment options, which allow you to complete procedures without visiting a tax office. Please note that consultations at tax offices require advanced reservations. For reservations, please contact the tax office in your jurisdiction. For details, please visit the National Tax Agency website.
Inquiries: Sendai-kita Tax Office TEL: 022-222-8121 / Sendai-naka Tax Office TEL: 022-783-7831 / Sendai-minami Tax Office TEL: 022-306-8001

National Pension Contribution Exemption for 1-year old Childcare Period will Begin. 

A National Pension Contribution Exemption program for parents raising a child under one year of age will begin on October 1, 2026.
Applications will be accepted from October 1, 2026. Applications can also be submitted online through the Myna Portal. For details, please visit the Sendai City website.

• Eligibility: Category 1 National Pension insured persons who are raising a child under one year of age (including biological or adoptive parents who live with the child).

Inquires: National Health Insurance and Pension Section at ward offices and Miyagi General Branch, Public Health and Welfare Section of Akiu General Branch

Enrollment for First- and Second-Year Students in Evening Classes at Sendai Municipal Minami-Koizumi Junior High School (December 2026 Admission)

• Eligibility: Residents of Miyagi Prefecture who meet any of the following conditions: 

1. Individuals who have exceeded compulsory school age without completing compulsory education
2. Individuals who graduated from junior high school but were unable to receive sufficient education due to prolonged school absence or other circumstances
3. Foreign nationals who have exceeded compulsory school age without completing compulsory education in their home country or in Japan

• Applicants are required to participate in individual enrollment information sessions.
  How to apply: Please download the application form from the Sendai City website and submit it by October 30, 2026 (must arrive by this date). 
  Individual Enrollment Information Session:
• Venue: Sendai Municipal Minami-Koizumi Junior High School
• Eligibility: Individuals who wish to enroll in the evening classes beginning in December 2026 (excluding those currently enrolled in junior high school), and their family members or other interested persons
• Date and time: To be arranged individually upon consultation.
• How to apply: Apply by phone or through the City of Sendai website by October 23, 2026.

Applications and Inquiries: Educational Supervision Section TEL: 022-214-8875

Health Checkup for Children Entering Elementary School in Spring 2027

• Venue: The designated school for the health checkup will be listed in the Notice of School Entry Health Checkup mailed in early October.
• Eligibility: Children born between April 2, 2020, and April 1, 2021 (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
• What to bring: Notice of School Entry Health Checkup, indoor shoes, and writing materials
• In general, families are not allowed to go to school in a private vehicle.
• Some schools will offer a parenting seminar (approximately 30 minutes) for parents and guardians.
• If your child is unable to attend the health checkup at the designated school, they may receive the checkup at another school. Please contact both the designated school and the school where you would like your child to receive the checkup by October 30.

Inquiries:
[Health checkups] Health and Physical Education Section TEL: 022-214-8881
[Parenting seminars (including availability of childcare services)] The school, or Lifelong Learning Section TEL: 022-214-8887