Pregnancy in Japan for Foreigners: Boshi Techo, Checkups & What to Do

Quick answer (30 seconds): Pregnant in Japan? The system is generous and open to all registered residents regardless of nationality. As soon as a doctor confirms your pregnancy, file a pregnancy notification at your city/ward office and you'll receive the Boshi Techo (Maternal and Child Health Handbook) — often available in multiple languages — plus a set of subsidized prenatal-checkup vouchers (usually 14). At birth, public insurance pays a childbirth lump-sum (around ¥500,000), usually sent straight to the hospital. Here's the order to do things.

Disclaimer: General information, not medical advice. Procedures, languages, voucher amounts, and benefits vary by municipality and change — confirm with your city/ward office and your doctor. In an emergency, call 119.

Step 1: Confirm the pregnancy, then notify the city

Once a doctor (OB/GYN) confirms your pregnancy, file a "pregnancy notification" (ninshin todoke) at your city/ward office. This is what unlocks the handbook and the subsidies — do it early. (Need an English-speaking OB? See the doctor-finding guide.)

Step 2: Get the Boshi Techo (and check the language)

You'll receive the Boshi Techo / Maternal and Child Health Handbook (Boshi Kenko Techo) — the single most important document of your pregnancy and your child's early years. It records your prenatal care, the birth, and your child's checkups and vaccinations.

• It's available in many languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Thai, Indonesian, Tagalog, Nepali and more) — but availability varies by municipality; larger cities are more likely to stock your language.
• All pregnant women registered with a municipality are eligible — regardless of nationality or working status.

Step 3: Use your prenatal-checkup vouchers

With the handbook you receive vouchers for prenatal checkups — typically 14, the standard recommended number. Each voucher subsidizes roughly ¥3,000–¥7,000 of the exam cost (amounts vary by municipality). Bring the voucher and your handbook to each checkup.