Hiroshi

Hiroshi in English

For dads in Japan

Checked: ・ Written by: ・ No health content (numbers checked against official sources) ・ Editorial policy (JA)

Expat dad in Tokyo with a globe and a passport

The deadlines that matter most after a birth in Japan: birth registration in 14 days※, child allowance in 15 days※, and, if your baby is not Japanese, a status of residence in 30 days※.

Who files what, and whereWho files what, and whereWhatWho filesWhere / whenBirth registrationFather or motherWard of birth, family register or residenceChild allowanceHigher-earning parentYour ward (civil servants: employer)Childcare leaveYouYour employer, 1 month beforePostnatal papa leaveYouYour employer, 2 weeks before (usually)Source: 戸籍法、法務省、児童手当法 / hiroshi.dad

Two papers go to the ward, two requests go to your employer. The child allowance applicant is the higher-earning parent, not automatically the dad.

Save as PNG · Free to share with a link to hiroshi.dad.

Hiroshi's map

Guides by stage

StageGuide
PregnancyWhat the dad sets up
Leave planningPaternity leave: notice and pay (up to 28 days in the first 8 weeks※)
Birth, days 0-14The first two weeks, birth registration
Days 15-60Residence status and passport, child allowance
MoneyMoney you get when your baby is born
Your wardTokyo wards

About Hiroshi

Hiroshi is a weekly game plan app for first-time dads in Japan, in Japanese and English, made in Tokyo by a first-time dad (about the team). Core features are free; Premium is 1,980 yen a month or 14,800 yen a year, with a 7-day free trial※.

In 2 minutes

Start with the first two weeks

Once a week, by email

Sign-up is not open yet; nothing is sent.

Every week, in the app

Join the beta (TestFlight, free)

Not on the App Store yet (in testing). Japanese and English. Core features free; Premium ¥1,980/month or ¥14,800/year, 7-day free trial.

Sources and check dates

Every amount and deadline was checked against an official primary source (most are in Japanese). Rules change: check with your ward office or employer before you apply.

  1. Birth registration (shussei todoke) is due within 14 days of the birth (3 months if born abroad).
    戸籍法 第49条 ・ In force: 現行法(e-Gov 取得 2026-11-14) ・ Checked: 2026-11-14 ・ Next check: 2027-05-14
  2. Apply within 15 days from the day after the birth so payments start without a gap; late months are generally lost.
    こども家庭庁 児童手当Q&A(一般) ・ In force: 更新日表示なし ・ Checked: 2026-11-14 ・ Next check: 2027-02-14
  3. A child born in Japan who will stay beyond 60 days must apply for a status of residence within 30 days of birth (Immigration Control Act art. 22-2).
    出入国管理及び難民認定法 第22条の2 ・ In force: checked 2026-11-14 (e-Gov API v2 text) ・ Checked: 2026-11-14 ・ Next check: 2027-05-14
  4. Postpartum paternity leave: up to 4 weeks (28 days) within 8 weeks of the birth, in up to 2 parts, separate from regular childcare leave.
    厚労省 母性健康管理サイト 産後パパ育休 ・ In force: 2022年10月施行 ・ Checked: 2026-11-14 ・ Next check: 2027-02-14
  5. Hiroshi Premium: 1,980 yen/month or 14,800 yen/year (tax incl., Japan), 7-day free trial.
    Hiroshi 利用規約 / App Store掲載文案 / App Store Connect のサブスクリプション設定 ・ In force: 施行日 2026-11-12 ・ Checked: 2026-11-14 ・ Next check: 2026-12-14