!! Under construction !! After the paper stuff accomplished to come to the land of the Rising Sun (see visa), comes the thousands advice on how things work in Japan. The first thing you will absolutely require at the beginning is HELP. Remember that YOU CANNOT READ and SPEAK ! You will surely find lots of people at work knowing English, but outside.... The different topics of this chapter are : Dealing with people Things not to do Shopping Health system Safety Family Miscellaneous Dealing with people !! Under construction !! Things not to do !! Under construction !! Shopping !! Under construction !! Health system When one is ill, one would like to find a doctor who can provide help efficiently.It's not the time for exotism, cultural exchange, holidays or communication problems. But medical care is something where the cultural differences are important and, forthe uninitiated, unfamiliar can equal inferior. It's perhaps for this reason thatlots of "horror stories" about the Japanese health system abounds among the foreigncommunity. We expect one way of doing things and we often get something quite dissimilar. So be aware that : To find a doctor you will have to go to the doctor. You will have to pay immediately after treatment (about 30 % of the bill). Your doctor won't explain much about your illness and treatment. In Japan, one has to accept whatever the specialist / doctor / teacher / superior (i.e. "sensei") says. It is also normally regarded as the patient's responsibility to inform the doctor abouthis medical history. It's a very bureaucratic system. The pills usually won't be given with a complete notice on how to use them (would you be able to read it anyway ?). They will be given in small bags. Maybe you won't even knowthe name of the medication. Not all hospitals have emergency rooms and not all are open at night. Dangers, Annoyances and Safety Theft : very low incidence, a fact that the Japanese are proud of. (I saw even a Lambourghini cabriolet with the keys on it). But is it a reason for total carelessness. ? Earthquakes : this is the biggest danger in Japan. Some regions - like Tokyo bay - are more subject to earthquakes than others. But beware : the Kansai area is not a place where earthquakes are frequent, but the last big one was in this area (Hanshin earthquake in Kobe, 17th January 1995, over 5'500 death). Rules on how to behave in case of such an event can be found in lots of places (and here in a next edition of this guide ;-) ). You have to think about it when you install you apartment. Don't put a bookshelf above your bed for example. Noise : Japan is very noisy. Loudspeakers everywhere providing everyone with messages in high-pitch tone. Sound insulation for your apartment is something you'll dream ofin certain places... Typhoons : Something which can be followed on TV. When there is a typhoon, the umbrella is of no use. You will certainly be informed if the one which is coming is dangerous or not. Wildlife : nothing to be really afraid of. jellyfishes in the sea and some bears in remote parts of Hokkaidoo. I saw a couple of snakes when I was there, but that's all.bears in remote areas of Hokkaidoo.Jellyfish Family Under construction, with the help of MM Emile Tasef and Amedée Zryd. Miscellaneous A) Bookstores, newspapers, magazines and maps The Kinokuniya bookstores are the places where you'll find foreign newspapers, books in English, etc... B) Under construction, waiting for your input ! [ home page SJA ] [ Practical Guide ] [ e-mail ] [ give feedback! ] Last update: 7th June 2002