Aside from the fact that they are in an international marriage, there is nothing that really makes Taka Hirano and his American wife, Brandy, stand out from the other families in their suburban neighborhood in Wakayama Prefecture. Like most of their friends, they are just doing their best to juggle work and family commitments and keep their heads above water in the current economic climate.

However, the couple have recently found themselves entangled in a stressful battle with the local city office over health insurance payments. Shell-shocked from the events of the past year, they decided to share their story with The Japan Times in order to draw attention to a system that they say has left them feeling like criminals.

Finances have always been quite tight for the family and they are used to living frugally. Taka is some years older than Brandy and his age has meant that employment options are limited. He currently teaches English and does freelance translation and consulting work. Brandy limited her working hours so that she could be home for her children when they were smaller, but now she too works long days as an English teacher.