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Guide

Not carrying it alone

The most common way care goes wrong is that one person carries it alone and gives out first. Anonymous phone lines, dementia cafes and carers’ gatherings, and short stays for resting. All free, or covered by the insurance.

The most common way care goes wrong is that one person carries it alone and gives out first. There are places to talk to people in the same position, and numbers to ring anonymously. Both are free.

By phone

Kawasaki runs a dementia call centre staffed by people who have cared for someone themselves, alongside social workers. You do not have to give your name, and the question does not have to be tidy.

044-200-3939 — Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 10:00–16:00. Answered in Japanese.

They also hold information on family groups across the city.

In person — dementia cafes

Places where people with dementia, their families and neighbours gather. Less a service counter than somewhere to go for a cup of tea. Come with the person, or on your own.

The city lists them by ward (in Japanese).

Your own support centre is the nearest place to ask

Dates for gatherings and cafes, and contacts for family groups, are all known there. Asking is free and needs no certification.

Find your support centre

There are schemes for resting, too

  • Short stays — a carer's illness, family occasion or business trip are listed reasons for using them
  • Family care leave — time to set things up without leaving your job

Times and contacts change. Check with the source or your support centre before going.

Find your support centre Official page (Japanese)

Source: Kawasaki City · Last verified 2026-09-13. Rules change. Check the source page before you act on this. This is a plain-English summary of public information, not an official translation.

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