Living Guide
Living Guide is the section to offer practical information, including suggestions, tips and advice on living in Japan or travel to Japan.
Housing
Taxes
Foreign resident registration
Family care
Education
Japanese customs
International Communities in Japan
Language help etc.
Setsubun - the annual traditional event held in February
Setsubun in a traditional event held every 3rd of February, the day of turning of the season from winter to spring in accordance with the Japanese lunar calendar. On the day of Setsubun, people throw parched soybeans inside and outside of the house to drive out demons (bad luck) and to welcome in good luck, and this custom is called Mamemaki.Public Health Insurance Systems in Japan
By Japanese low, all people living at an address in Japan are required to have health insurance 健康保険 Kenkou Hoken. The health insurance includes two public systems; one is Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken 社会保険) from one’s place of employment, and other is National Health Insurance (NHI or Kokumin Kenko Hoken 国民健康保険) operated by municipalities depending on the area.New residence management system starts from July 2012
The Act on Partial Amendments to the immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Special Act on the immigration Control of Alia, Those Who Have Lost Japanese Nationality Pursuant to the Treaty of Peace with Japan was promulgated on July 15 2009, and a new system of residence management will be implemented from July 2012.Matsu Ta-ke Ume - A traditional ranking system in Japan
As the same as using stars for rating hotels or restaurants, for example 5 Stars, 4 Stars, 3 Stars etc., there is a traditional ranking system in Japan, where 3 names of trees are used for rating ; Matsu(pine tree), Ta-ke(bamboo) and Ume(plum tree).
Emergencies
In case you encounter emergencies, dial the telephone number below to report the state.
To report a Crime / Traffic Accident : 110
To report a Fire, for calling an Ambulance : 119
When dialing these numbers for emergencies, you need to report the following.
For Sudden Illnesses or Injuries
If you are suddenly ill or are injured while you are in Japan, an ambulance can be called by dialing 119. If you have a difficulty in explaining the state of illness/injury in Japanese, ask a Japanese-speaking person for help.
