MIM – April 25, 2020 issue

1.Novel coronavirus control measures - avoid 3 “close contact” situations!!

One of the novel coronavirus control measures is preventing the creation of clusters (mass infections).

It is important to avoid “close contact” at events and gatherings.

(1) Closed spaces with poor ventilation

(2) Places where many people gather closely together

(3) Situations in which conversations are held in close to proximity to others

* For more information, please see the website below.

https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/kouhou/kuse/koho/minato2020/202004/20200401toku/01.html (only Japanese)

2.Multilingual chatbot is available to provide residents with information about the novel coronavirus!

Users can ask the chatbot questions about the novel coronavirus in 6 languages.

Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified / traditional), Korean, and Thai are supported.

The AI can help users with issues they don’t understand or are concerned about. Please give it a try.

LINE version

https://line.me/R/ti/p/%40540jujsk（external link）

web version

https://covid19.obot-ai.com/chatbot/（external link）

3.Temporary closure of facilities extended until May 6

Based on the official declaration of a national state of emergency following the spread of the new coronavirus and the implementation of emergency measures in Tokyo, facilities in the city will be temporarily closed.

[Period of closure] Saturday, March 28 – Wednesday, May 6

* For more information, please see the website below.

https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/kouhou/index-koronasisetsu.html (Japanese only)

4.There is a help center for foreign residents!

English-speaking staff members help foreign residents solve any trouble they might encounter. 　

There are also interpreters at the Minato City Hall. Those who speak a language other than English or Japanese can use a tablet or videophone to receive interpretation services.

Everybody is welcome to attend. *Telephone support is in Japanese and English

Please feel free to contact us.

[Days on which consulting services are available] Monday-Friday *closed on Sat, Sun, and Holidays

[Time] 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (*no reservations needed)

[Venue] Minato City Hall, 3rd floor, Counter 304

Tel: 03-3578-2524/2046 (*Japanese and English)

5.Interpretation Service is available on tablet devices

Minato City provides free interpretation service on tablet devices at administrative agencies in the city so that foreign residents will not encounter a language barrier.

[About the service] Foreign residents can speak with administrative officers with an interpreter displayed on a tablet device at agencies.

[Number of supported languages] 11

(English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Russian, Tagalog, Nepali, Vietnamese, Indonesian)

[Availability] From 8:30am to 17:15 pm (9:00 am - 5:15 pm for Thai, Russian, Tagalog, Nepali, Vietnamese, and Indonesian)

[Locations] Minato City Hall (3 Floor - Community Promotion Section)　

Shiba Regional City Office 　

Azabu Regional City Office 

Akasaka Regional City Office 

Takanawa Regional City Office 

Shibaura-konan Regional City Office　

Minato Recycling and Waste Management Office 

Children and Families Support Center　 

Minato Public Health Center 

* If you can provide us with advance notice, it can be used in schools, kindergartens, and nursery schools.

For more details, please ask a faculty member. 　

[Contact] Global Community Planning Subsection, Community Promotion Section (Tel: 03-3578-2524, Japanese and English)

6.There is a new multilingual AI chat!

It is now easier to use our service, which utilizes AI in a chat-format, to automatically get answers to your inquiries about administrative information! It is easier to understand with simple search methods which employ multiple choice options, as well as maps and images.
 We hope you will take advantage of this service!
[Supported languages] English, simple Japanese
[Question topics supported]
Eight categories: disaster prevention, trash disposal, child rearing / education, international / culture, medical / hospitals, various procedures (taxes, insurance, pension), tourism, and neighborhood associations. In addition, trivia is available on lifestyles and culture unique to Japan.
[How to use]
1. Access the Minato Information Board Facebook page (https://facebook.com/city.minato.mib/（external link）).
2. Click “Send message”.
3. Ask the AI a question.
* To use the service, you must download the Facebook Messenger app (free).
[Contact] Minato City Community Promotion Section, Global Community Planning Subsection (Tel: 03-3578-2565) *Japanese and English