City Services and Notices

Photochemical smog tends to occur during the daytime when temperatures are high and winds are weak. When photochemical smog forecasts or warnings are issued, flags (green for forecast, yellow for precaution, orange for warning) and signs indicating 'Photochemical Smog Forecast Issued' will be displayed at public facilities such as ward offices and schools. During the issuance, avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If your eyes feel irritated or your throat hurts, please rinse your eyes and gargle. Additionally, Osaka Prefecture provides an information distribution service via email and app, so please register (you can select the displayed language within the service).
Osaka Disaster Prevention App
Osaka Disaster Prevention Email

For households with financial difficulties sending their children to senior high school etc., a grant-type scholarship is available. Financial assistance is granted to those selected, following a review of income and household conditions, prioritizing households with higher levels of need.
For more details visit Sakai City Scholarships for FY2026

From June 14th, the new “Specified residence card” will be introduced, merging the Residence card and My Number card together. If you wish to obtain this card, you can apply at your Regional Immigration Bureau or the Civic Affairs Division of your local ward office. For more details, click here to visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website.

In early June, the payment notice of Municipal Inhabitant Tax, Prefectural Inhabitant Tax and Forest Environment Tax will be sent out. The Tax Statement enclosed with the notice and the Special Taxation Amount Notice for these taxes you will receive separately, can be used instead of income and taxation proof in applying for public housing or school expense subsidy etc. Please confirm with the place you are submitting to.

June is the first payment period for Municipal Inhabitant Tax, Prefectural Inhabitant Tax and Forest Environment Tax. The deadline is June 30th. July is the second payment period for Fixed Property Tax and City Planning Tax. The deadline is July 31st. Please make your payment by the deadline at your nearest financial institution, convenience store, etc. Payment can also be made using Pay-easy, mobile payment methods, and credit cards via the local tax payment site (eLTAX). Click here for the English user’s guide on the website (eLTAX). For those using automatic withdrawal, the first payment period for Municipal Inhabitant Tax, Prefectural Inhabitant Tax and Forest Environment Tax will be withdrawn on June 30th and the second payment period for Fixed Property Tax and City Planning Tax will be deducted on July 31st so make sure you have sufficient funds.

June is Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Month. Public health centers regularly offer free anonymous tests for HIV, syphilis and chlamydia. (However, it is only free if you take these three tests simultaneously. Sun Square Sakai offers HIV and syphilis tests only).
Reservation: Unnecessary, you can go straight to the center.
Results notification: You will be notified roughly a week after. Details vary by testing location, so please inquire at a public health center or the Infectious Disease Control Division for more information.
For more information on location and times, visit the Free STI testing page.

June 4th to June 10th is Oral Health Week. To maintain the health of your teeth and mouth, practice thorough brushing and getting dental check-ups.
For more information visit the Adult Dental Examinations page.