INFO PACK ～Prearrival/Arrival Guide～ 2020
This guide provides you with information on how to prepare to come to Japan and IUJ, what to expect when you get here and to help you settle in quickly and easily. It is a useful reference for your entire time at IUJ and we encourage you to read it thoroughly now - before you need the information - so that you know where information is when questions arise.
International University of Japan Office of Student Services 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi, Niigata 949-7277 JAPAN
国際大学 学生センター事務室 〒949-7277 新潟県南魚沼市国際町 777 番地
Tel: +81(0)25-779-1103 Fax: +81(0)25-779-1180 (81 is the country code. Use the "0" if dialing from inside of Japan) E-mail: [email protected] URL: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss Web version is available at https://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/arrival-guide/
Table of Contents: INFO PACK ~Prearrival/Arrival Guide~ 2020
Section I: Coming to IUJ
I-1 Preparing to Come to Japan (For International Students) 1 (1) Passport and Student Visa Application Procedures 1 (2) Personal Needs – Prescriptions, Toiletries, etc. 2 (3) Bringing Electrical Items from Home 4 (4) International Driver’s License 4 (5) Travel Insurance 4 (6) Sending Luggage to IUJ (Customs Considerations) 4 (7) Dorm Room Allocation 5 (8) Bringing Money and Setting up a Bank Account 5 (9) Credit Cards and E-Money 6 (10) Using Your Own Mobile Phone 6 (11) Passport-sized Photos 6 (12) Scholarships After Arrival and Japanese Language Studies 7 (13) To Do List before Departure to Japan 8
I-2 Arrival in Japan 9 (1) Travel Dates and Timing 9 (2) Immigration Procedures as You Enter the Country 9 (3) Residence Card (RC) 11 (4) Lost Luggage 12 (5) Customs Inspection 13 (6) Exchanging Money 14 (7) Luggage Transport Service (Narita/Haneda Airport Arrival Lobby) 14 (8) Leaving Narita/Haneda Airport 15 (9) Directions From Narita Airport to IUJ - Narita Express 15 (10) Another Option from Narita - Keisei Skyliner Express 16 (11) Directions From Haneda Airport to Tokyo – Keikyu Airport Limited Express 16 (12) Another Option from Haneda – Haneda Express (Monorail) 16 (13) Transferring to the Bullet Train – Joetsu Shinkansen “Toki” or “Max Toki” 16 (14) Arriving in Urasa 17 (15) Transport Schedule 18 (16) Timetable of Joetsu Shinkansen to Urasa Station 20 (17) Shinkansen Stops 21 (18) Sumimasen - Getting Help Along the Way 21 (19) Alternative Route to IUJ: Using Niigata Airport 22 (20) Getting into Your Dorm Room 23 (21) Settling into the Area 23 (22) Registration for Address and National Health Insurance 24 (23) Social Security and Tax Number System – nicknamed “My Number” 24 (24) “My Number” and Sending/Receiving Money in Japan 24
International University of Japan INFO PACK ~Prearrival/Arrival Guide~ Table of Contents - i - Section II: Campus Information
II-1 IUJ Administration and Services 26 (1) Office of Student Services (OSS) 26 Dorm Director & Dorm Staff 26 IUJ School Counselor 26 Alumni Relations 26 Social Media 26 (2) IUJ Counseling Services 27 (3) Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) 27 The Language Program 27 (4) JICA Joint Project Office (JJPO) 28 (5) Matsushita Library & Information Center (MLIC) 28 (6) Office of General Affairs (OGA) 28 The Accounting Office 29 (7) Office of Admissions & Career Support (OACS) 29 Admissions 29 Career Support Services 29 (8) Office of Top Global University Project 30 (9) President’s Office 30
II-2 Campus Facility 31 (1) IT Services 31 (2) Library Services 32 (3) IUJ School Bus Services 32 (4) Gymnasium and Sport Facilities 32 (5) School Shop (Baiten) 33 (6) Cafeteria (Shokudo) 33 (7) Snack Lounge 33
II-3 Campus Communications & Cards 34 (1) Notice Boards 34 (2) E-mail 34 (3) Mailboxes – Mail Delivery 34 (4) Faxes 35 (5) Telephone 35 (6) Student ID 35
II-4 Campus Clubs, Organizations and Events 36 (1) Student Body 36 (2) Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and its Executive Council 36 (3) The Mentor Program 36 (4) Flea Market Team 37 (5) GSIR/GSIM Councils 37 (6) Dorm Floor Representative 37 (7) Buddy System 37 (8) “Houses” and House Tournament Champions 37 (9) Sports 37 (10) Clubs 38 (11) Major Events 38
International University of Japan INFO PACK ~Prearrival/Arrival Guide~ Table of Contents - ii - (12) Off Campus Events 39 (13) Keep Informed and Active 40
Section III: Dormitory Information
(1) Dormitories 41 (2) Single Student Dormitories (SD1, SD2, SD3) 41 (3) Married Student Apartments (MSA) 41 (4) Dorm Room Details 42 (5) Public Facilities Available in the Dorms 43 (6) Guest Rooms on Campus 43 (7) Dormitory Fees and Program Expenses Payments 43 (8) Dorm Guide 44
Section IV: Other
IV-1 Health Care 45 (1) Institutional Forms of Health Care 45 (2) Compulsory Health Examinations 45 (3) Hospital, Clinics and Dentists Contact Information 45 (4) The National Health Insurance (NHI) 45 (5) Accident Insurance and Individual Compensation Insurance 46 (6) Medical Assistance Plan 46 (7) Travel Insurance 47 (8) Receiving Medical Assistance 48
IV-2 Immigration Matters 50 (1) Resident Registration System 50 (2) The Proxy Visa Transaction 50 ① Re-entry Permit: “Sai-Nyukoku” 51 ② Work Permit: “Shikaku-gai Katsudo” (Part-time Work) 52 ③ Visa Extension 52 (3) Procedures of Application for Dependent Visa 54 (Spouse and Child/Children ONLY) (4) Immigration Office 58
IV-3 Money and Banking Facilities, Services 59 (1) Opening a Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Account 59 (2) Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Services and Banking Hours 59 (3) Other Bank Options 60 (4) Wire Transfer - “Furikomi” 60 (5) Bank Fees for Transferring Money Overseas To and From Japan 60 (6) Using the Post Office to Send Money to Overseas 61
IV-4 Driving in Japan 62 (1) Owning a Vehicle 62 (2) International Driver’s License 62 (3) Do Not Drink and Drive 63 (4) Seat-Belts 63 (5) Driving in the Winter 64 International University of Japan INFO PACK ~Prearrival/Arrival Guide~ Table of Contents - iii - (6) Alternative to Driving 64
IV-5 IUJ Life 65 (1) Location 65 (2) Climate 65 (3) Public Holidays and Business Closings 66 (4) Living Expenses (estimated) 66 (5) Part-time Jobs 67 (6) Postal Services 67 (7) Telephone 68 (8) Mobile Phone - “Keitai Denwa” 68 (9) Public Phones 68 (10) Instant Photo Booths 69 (11) Electricity - Voltage 69 (12) Public Transportation 69 Railways 69 Student Discount for travel (Gakuwari) 70 “Seishun 18” Pass 70 Buses 70 Taxis 70 (13) Buying Clothes in Japan 71 (14) Tipping Customs 71 (15) Drinking Water 71 (16) Places of Worship 72 (17) Travel to Tokyo 73 (18) Travel to Niigata-City 73 (19) Japan Travel Guide 73 (20) Off Campus Living Information 73 (21) Child Care Information 74 (22) Assistance Services 76 ON Campus 76 OFF Campus 76
Appendix ・ IUJ Campus Map 77 ・ IUJ Map 78 ・ Urasa Map 79 ・ Muikamachi Map 80 ・ Koide Map 81 ・ Communicating in Japanese while traveling to IUJ: Point to Speak 82
International University of Japan INFO PACK ~Prearrival/Arrival Guide~ Table of Contents - iv - Section I: Coming to IUJ This section will help you prepare to travel, come to campus and settle in. It assumes you will arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport. (For alternative arrival options including Niigata Airport, see page 22.)
I-1 Preparing to Come to Japan (For International Students) In order to come to Japan as an international student of the International University of Japan (IUJ), you need to obtain a passport and apply for a Student Visa in your own country. Here are some guidelines.
(1) Passport and Student Visa Application Procedures You need to have a passport issued by your government that will remain valid throughout your stay in Japan (renewals are possible through your embassy in Japan once you arrive). Be sure to allow plenty of time if you are applying for a passport for the first time. Prior to your departure, you need a Student Visa for Japan in your passport. For this application, you need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CE) which is issued in Japan by the Ministry of Justice, Government of Japan. In accordance with this certificate, you can receive a Student Visa, and earn the status of “Student”: PhD: a 3-years or 3-years 3-months student visa Master’s (2 years): a 2-years or 2-years 3-months student visa Master’s (1 year): a 1-year or 1-year 3-months student visa Exchange students: a 6-months or 1-year student visa
IUJ can assist (most of) you to obtain your initial Certificate of Eligibility which is used to secure this Student Visa. After that, we provide information and directions on how to manage immigration matters. However, all students are responsible for obtaining their own visa and for ensuring it remains valid through their graduation. Failing to do so can result in deportation and forced withdrawal from IUJ. IUJ Assisted Application Process ・ After you are accepted to IUJ, we will send you documents to submit to IUJ for visa support. ・ Once we receive your IUJ admission procedure documents and all your related application documents for the visa process, IUJ will submit the necessary documents to the Immigration Office of the Japanese Ministry of Justice asking for your “Certificate of Eligibility.” Be sure all your documents are clear and professionally presented. We will contact you by e-mail if we find missing document(s) or have any question(s) about the documents. But this will slow down the process so please check and double check before sending them to us. ・ As soon as our request for your CE is approved (not guaranteed), the Ministry of Justice will send the Certificate to IUJ and we will forward it to you immediately. Be sure to write the correct mailing address on the express mail delivery slip provided by IUJ and return it to us with the other required documents. We use it, as is, to deliver your CE. ・ Take the Certificate, your passport, “Letter of Admission” (sent to you by IUJ after you complete the admission procedure) and financial document (certificate of scholarship
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and/or bank statement) to the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate. They should issue you a Student Visa without any problems, though this is NOT guaranteed. You are strongly recommended to contact the Embassy/Consulate in advance to find out if they require other documents.
✑ Please also refer to our Homepage for visa information. It explains what documents you need to prepare, and has examples of how to fill out the forms! https://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/visa/
Note: 1) A Multiple Entry Visa is not necessary because you can obtain a re-entry permit (if necessary) in Japan. You will receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Kaado) as you enter the country, and that permits you to return to Japan within 1 year of any departure (assuming your Student Visa remains valid). However, failing to return within one year means you lose your status as a resident. If this is your case, consult with the Office of Student Services (OSS). 2) To those ALREADY RESIDING IN JAPAN: Please follow the special instructions sent under separate cover for changing your current visa to a Student Visa or extending your Student Visa for IUJ.
(2) Personal Needs - Prescriptions, Toiletries, etc. Bring all prescribed medicines, allergy medication and eye care items with you. Prescription and over-the-counter medication (such as headache medicine) available outside of Japan sometimes come in different forms, may not be available here, may be difficult to find in Japan, or be very expensive. Many students bring their traditional herbal medicines and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines with them in supplies enough to last their IUJ stay. But please see the note on the next page on items you may not bring into Japan. Some OTC items in your country may be illegal in Japan! Note: If you do have a prescription, bring an official copy of it from your doctor to show to immigration officials if they request information on what you are carrying. It is also helpful to show to the hospital staff here. They will be able to understand prescriptions written in English.
Allergy medications, especially if it requires injections given at home, are not easily available in Japan because the laws and regulations for personal use of injections are very different.
Eye care items and contact lens solutions and cleansers are available, but may be different brands. You are advised to bring extra contact lenses and eye glasses with you. Purchases of new glasses are not covered by your health insurance and while the care is very good, making glasses here can be costly.
If you need to use a specific brand of shampoo, soap or antiperspirant (deodorant), it is advisable for you to bring extra supplies.
Women: We recommend you bring your preferred tampons and menstrual cramp medications (without codeine) with you. Birth control options for women, too, are very limited though condoms are readily available.
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✑ The OSS has a “Women’s Health Guide” you can obtain after arrival. The following website may also be very helpful to you now. http://japanhealthinfo.com
VERY IMPORTANT Japan has laws unique to itself regarding “illegal substances and what is categorized as such.” Non-Japanese must be aware of and follow these laws closely. As ignorance is not an excuse, we ask you to please check with the Japanese embassy near you regarding any precautions specific to your cultural orientation.
IUJ has faced a situation involving a student bringing a substance commonly used in his/her country, purchasable off the shelf, but that is illegal in Japan. The student could have faced very high monetary penalties and jail time in the worst case scenario. These were coca leaves used in his/her country as a tea. To help avoid such a situation, please note the following list. This list is NOT complete.
List of items illegal in Japan: DO NOT bring into the country, or have sent the following items:
Products that contain stimulants (including over-the-counter drugs) Pseudoephedrine Check inhalers and some allergy and sinus medications, such as Actifed, Sudafed, and Vicks inhalers Codeine Check Tylenol products, similar generic products, menstrual pain medicines, and cough syrups Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (marijuana), stimulants, psychotropic substances, and other narcotic drugs ANYthing that could be used to MAKE these drugs: Coca leaves, or other tea leaves that can be used in drug making Any seeds that can grow related plants Any equipment for processing and producing these drugs Prozac and Viagra Anything that could be used to make a chemical weapon
Also, please note the following limitations:
Up to a two-months’ supply of allowable over-the-counter medication and up to a four-months’ supply of allowable vitamins can be brought into Japan duty-free. Generally, up to one month’s supply of allowable prescription medicine can be brought into Japan. Travelers must bring a copy of their doctor’s prescription as well as a letter stating the purpose of the drug. Travelers who must carry more than one month’s supply (except prohibited drugs and controlled drugs), or are carrying syringes (pumps), are required to obtain a so-called “Yakkan Shoumei,” or import certificate, in advance.
If you are aware of other substances illegal in Japan that may be rather common in your country and not on this list, please inform the OSS so we can continue to provide information
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 3 to help us all stay legal.
Drug use in Japan, and of course on the IUJ campus, carries heavy fines, jail sentences and probably deportation (and of course explusion from IUJ). Do NOT use drugs in Japan!
(3) Bringing Electrical Items from Home If you want to bring your own telephone, answering machines, stereos or computers, you should have no trouble using them in your room. However, be sure they have an international compatibility sticker, and bring with you an adapter (you can purchase them here if you prefer, but it is easier to bring them with you). Japan’s wall electrical outlets only have two prongs. Also, televisions and radios may not operate well because of the voltage and frequency Japan’s wall electrical outlets differences (clocks may run slow and TVs and radios are likely on a different broadcast range). If you have any compatibility concerns, please ask your electronics dealer. Tampering with electricity outlets is strictly forbidden. To prevent theft of electricity, the hallway and lounge outlets are “IL” shaped and for use only by the cleaning and maintenance staffs. If you need to use an outlet FOR STUDY PURPOSES, you may borrow an adapter at the SD1 Dorm Team office.
(4) International Driver’s License If you wish to (or think you might) drive a car during your stay in Japan (rent a car, borrow one from a friend on occasion, or own a car), you must be properly licensed. In order to be a legal driver in Japan, please see the detailed information on pages 62-64.
(5) Travel Insurance We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance before departing for Japan in case of any unexpected accident, illness or death en route to Japan. Be sure it covers the day of departure and 1-2 weeks after arrival. Your Japan health insurance does not start until you register your address in Japan at the City Office. So without traveler’s insurance you could be unprotected for a few days to a few weeks! Traveler’s insurance is also needed for travel outside of Japan while you are an IUJ student. And, for any family members coming to the area, it is highly recommended you get them Traveler’s Insurance as well!
(6) Sending Luggage to IUJ (Customs Considerations) If you need to send personal belongings from your country before you fly to Japan, please mail them directly to your IUJ dormitory room. To help avoid any customs problems, please mail boxed items to yourself in a “door-to- door” delivery service. IUJ will notify you of your room assignment before you depart for Japan. In this way, customs problems can be avoided. Simply mail your items directly to your own room at IUJ. The Dorm Staff will put your item in your room as a special service. This is a one-time service for newly entering students only. For the details of each procedure, please contact the post office or a delivery company.
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Notes: The Japanese Customs Office in Tokyo is more than 200 kilometers away from IUJ and traveling such distances is costly. If your luggage is left in storage at the Japanese Customs Office for an extended period of time without customs clearance, you will be charged expensive storage fees per day for each piece of luggage by the customs office.
Delivery Payments The entire cost of the shipment should be paid in full while in your country using your country’s currency, as COD (cash on delivery) freight costs in Japan are probably higher.
(7) Dorm Room Allocation Entering students reside on campus in SD1, 2, or 3. To help the staff with dorm room allocation, please fill in the information at the following site. See the section “Incoming Dorm Room Assignments.” Please do so by August 10, if possible. https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/september-schedule/
(8) Bringing Money and Setting up a Bank Account All IUJ students must have a Hokuetsu Bank account for money transactions with IUJ. IUJ’s Accounting Office will help you set up a bank account at Hokuetsu Bank after you arrive.
Before money in your new bank account becomes available, be sure to have on hand enough Japanese Yen (¥) in cash to tide you over. You will need a minimum of ¥100,000 IN CASH to get you through the first 4 weeks (travel, food, incidentals). Those arriving in early September should prepare more. To bring money from your home country to Japan, there are several alternatives: Credit Cards to Get Cash - Recommended Some credit cards can be used to withdraw money at Seven Bank ATM (located in Seven- Eleven Convenient Stores and on campus). For more details and to confirm your card is accepted, please refer to Seven Bank Homepage. (http://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/card2.html). Cash in Foreign Currency – NOT Recommended The branch of the Hokuetsu Bank handles Japanese Yen, US Dollars and EURO. Cash mignt be exchanged on the same day (if the bank is willing to exchange the type of currency you have). However, this method is not recommended as sometimes there are delays when exchanging US$100 bills etc. due to counterfeit cases. Delays of up to 3 weeks have happened. Cheques (bank cheques/drafts, money orders) – NOT Recommended Many of Japanese banks are no longer handling foreign currency cheques. You are advised NOT to use this option. Note: Personal cheques are not used in Japan. If using money orders, be sure it is an international money order and expect delays.
Have money wired to you (Details are on pages 59-61) Once your bank account (or JP Bank account) is set up, you can have your family send
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you money. Simply consult your local bank on procedures. The IUJ Accounting Office can provide you the SWIFT code for IUJ, etc. The following article gives you more information, and services to use. Please note, IUJ does NOT necessarily recommend these services. Please use at your own discretion. https://tokyocheapo.com/business/financial/transfer-money-to-japan/
(9) Credit Cards and E-Money Use of Credit Cards and E-money has become more widely spread in Japan. The easiest cards to use are International Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards. Check with your card company to verify if it is usable in Japan. It is recommended that you bring one with you. Please note that some shops/restaurants/inns cannot accept credit cards in our area. There are stickers displayed near the entrances or cash register stations of stores that will take your credit cards.
Note: Those who have a “Student” visa are not qualified for getting a new credit card once in Japan. So if you want one, you should get it before arriving in Japan. Credit cards can be useful for purchasing a mobile phone, and ordering books, foods and supplies over the Internet. Popular E-money apps include Suica, PASMO, Pay Pay, etc.
Suica PASMO Pay Pay
(10) Using your Own Mobile Phone If you plan to use your own mobile phone in Japan with the same telephone number used at home, you must confirm that your mobile phone will work in Japan and buy an appropriate sim card before your departure (roaming, international/global, Google Fi, etc.). We suggest you check the phone use rates to be sure it fits your budget. If you plan to purchase a mobile phone in Japan, please see page 68.
(11) Passport-sized Photos Passport-sized photos (4.5cm x 3.5cm in size) as specified below will probably come in handy for things like applications for scholarship upgrades, internship/job applications, homestay applications, as well as visas if you plan to travel outside of Japan. They can be purchased in this area at instant photo booths for about ¥800 (see page 69 for details). We recommend that you look professional in the picture: white or light blue background only. No shadows or designs. It is best to face straight forward with a slight smile or no smile and the photo should show the top of your head down to chest. Please note these other requirements:
1. A photo that shows you alone 2. A photo of the dimensions specified above, excluding an outer border (the dimension of the face refers to the portion from the top of the head [including the hair] to the lower
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end of the chin) 3. You should face squarely to the front and without hats, caps or head coverings. 4. No background or shadows 5. Must be clear. 6. Must be taken within three months prior to submission. 7. Should not be printed out on your own on regular paper or photo paper, but should be professionally (shop or passport photo booth) printed.
(12) Scholarships After Arrival and Japanese Language Studies Those coming to IUJ on partial scholarships may be able to apply for additional financial support from various sources. The Office of Student Services will support you for this with notifications and application facilitation. However, most of the scholarships require students to write the application in Japanese, and be able to communicate with the scholarship hosts in Japanese at various gatherings. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you study Japanese before coming to IUJ, and enroll in our Intermediate Japanese courses if at all possible.
To learn what scholarships may be introduced (information may vary from year to year), please see the Scholarship website and the “After Enrollment” section at https://www.iuj.ac.jp//admis/scholarship/after-arrival/ Available scholarships may include a monthly stipend through JASSO, and various private foundation awards.
Apps for Japanese Learners, created by IUJ!!! We recommend you to download the following two apps to help you get a head start in your Japanese language learning. Both iOS and Android versions are available from the App store or Google play for free. They were created by IUJ. https://www.iuj.ac.jp/language/japaness_course04_en.html
App 1: Ganbatte Kana Japanese is called a character-based language, which uses syllabary called Kana, consisting of Hiragana and Katakana. J-learners need to have mastered them before entering Basic or Elementary Japanese course at IUJ. Our experience has proved those who wish to get by with oral/aural communication only, therefore trying to get by without learning Kana and resorting only to the alphabet, cannot proceed above beginners level. To help you learn Kana efficiently, we recommend you use the IUJ-created app called "GanbatteKana", which offers comprehensive activities to help learners master them. Log in as “Non- IUJer”.
App 2: Ganbatte Shadowing In order to improve your pronunciation and speaking fluency, we recommend you to use an app called "Ganbatte Shadowing". This app provides a platform for you to vocalize the language along with native speakers to help you match the tone, rhythms and pronunciation to help you become a more natural speaker. Log in as “Non-IUJer”.
Start studying Japanese NOW! Good luck.
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(13) To Do List before Departure to Japan We hope that this list will help you prepare to come to Japan. What To Do or Prepare Notes Tick 1 Passport Make sure you have more than 6 months before the expiry date 2 Student Visa It must be stamped in your passport 3 Medication prescriptions 4 Eye care items 5 (Women) Menstrual items 6 Make sure no illegal items are in your belongings 7 Join a travel insurance Make sure it covers the day of departure and 1-2 weeks after arrival in Japan 8 Know your IUJ Dorm If no, contact the OSS at [email protected]. The Room number room allocation will be announced in late August. 9 Cash Be sure to have about JPY100,000 in cash on hand. 10 Credit card, if any International Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, and American Express cards are widely used in Japan. 11 Photos Passport size (4.5cm x 3.5cm) 12 Start studying Japanese Especially if you would like to apply for a language scholarship, and if you plan to work in Japan after IUJ, Japanese language skills are very important. 13 Air ticket Some scholarship providers require boarding pass(es). Please do NOT discard them.
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I-2 Arrival in Japan
(1) Travel Dates and Timing Designated dates to arrive on campus will be sent with your Certificate of Eligibility and room number assignment in August.
Those arriving in September as a new incoming student should carefully check the September Calendar for Check In dates based on your scholarship/student status,* and arrange travels to coincide: Please see https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/september/ and click on September Plan (Calendar).
Dates are usually around mid-September (sometime between Sept. 13 and 21). That can be variable each year because of the starting date of Intensive Japanese Program, Orientation Week, Pre-Enrollment Programs and Fall Term Classes.
It is recommended that you arrive during business hours for the best support: 8:30am to 5:00pm when our Dorm Team will be standing by to assist you in the Dorm Staff office in Student Dormitory #1 (SD1). However, if you arrive after 5pm and before 11pm, or on the weekend, our Dorm Director will be available. It is best for you to inform us of your late arrival at least ONE week ahead of time. Please email to [email protected] and cc to dorm- [email protected] with your arrival date and time, and with the subject line of “123456 (your student ID) – Special check in request.”
* Please note, the noted check-in dates are firm. Early arrival is not permitted due to dorm maintenance needs.
(2) Immigration Procedures as You Enter the Country Foreign nationals who enter Japan are required to be fingerprinted and photographed (facial photographs) by means of special devices at the immigration counter at your point of entry into Japan. These procedures apply to all foreign nationals upon their entry into Japan, except for the persons eligible for exemption listed below. The immigration inspector will ask you several questions regarding your purpose for coming to Japan and length of stay. Explain that you are a new graduate student in a 1-, 2-, or 3-year program.
If foreign nationals who are not eligible for exemption from this requirement refuse to submit their fingerprints or be photographed, they will be denied entry into Japan and ordered to return to their home country at their own expense. For more details, please see: http://www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/IB/ip.html
WORK PERMIT applications as YOU ENTER THE COUNTRY At the immigration gate, you are allowed to apply for a Work Permit (if your scholarship host so allows) at the 4 major International Airports in Japan: Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and
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Chubu. To apply for the Work Permit, you need to submit a designated form (see below) and follow the immigration officer’s instructions. This form is included in the packet with your CE, unless your scholarship provider prohibits you from engaging in paid activities. Those seeking a paid internship must obtain the Work Permit as you enter the country. Obtaining one after you go through customs is possible, but takes time and money!
Fill out the form above and submit it to the immigration at the airport when you enter Japan. (DON’T mail it to IUJ; this form is accepted ONLY at the Japan airports.)
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URGENT: IMPORTANT As soon as the immigration officer at the airport returns your passport and before you leave the gate, please check the “Landing Permission” in your passport.
Once you leave the immigration gate, no changes on “Landing Permission” are allowed. For your sake, please check the landing permission carefully before passing out of the immigration gate.
(3) Residence Card (RC)
A Residence Card is issued to persons residing in Japan who have been granted a status of residence with a period of stay of more than 3 months. As you come in to Japan with a student visa, a residence card will be issued to you at the immigration gate if you enter the country from one of the 4 major international airports; Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu. If you arrive in Japan through other airports including Niigata Airport, your Residence Card will be mailed to you a few weeks later. When you receive your Residence Card, please make sure that all the information on it is correct. If you find any errors, please ask the immigration officer at the immigration gate immediately to make corrections: Name order, birthdate order, etc. are common mistakes. After arrival at IUJ, you are required to visit Minami Uonuma City Office with your Residence Card within 14 days of your entry into Japan to register your address and go through necessary procedures.
If you have this box, it indicates that you have a work permit.
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Please note: When you leave Japan (or relocate within Japan), you are required to inform the City Office within 14 days prior of the move. Special instructions will be provided by the OSS about this closer to your departure, but this registration immigration process is your individual responsibility. By law, you must carry your Residence Card with you wherever you go in Japan. If you intend to intern or do a part-time job on campus, be sure your Residence Card has the “Work Permit” stamp on it. Apply for this stamp at the immigration gate as you enter the country using the form provided by the OSS (See pages 9-10 for details). Do NOT give up your Residence Card at the airport when leaving Japan temporarily with an intention to come back within a year.
If you lost your Residence Card… The first thing you need to do is to obtain an official document certifying that you lost it. (1) Lost Notification Certificate (to be obtained from the nearest police) (2) Theft Report Certificate (to be obtained from the nearest police) or (3) Disaster Victim Certificate (to be obtained from the City Office) Within 14 days after you lost it, you need to visit the Immigration Office yourself either in Niigata or Tokyo with the following documents: (1) One of the certificates above (2) Application for Re-issuance of Residence Card (obtainable at the OSS) (3) Passport (4) Student ID Card (5) 1 Photo (4 x 3 cm)
(4) Lost Luggage
In case your luggage gets lost or delayed upon arrival, please contact the concerned airlines and make sure that the “Property Irregularity Report (PIR)” is prepared. The contents of the bag should clearly be described. Arrange to have item(s) sent to your IUJ dorm room. Have your address easily available (and NOT packed inside that lost bag)!
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(5) Customs Inspection
As part of the entry process when you arrive in Japan, all passengers MUST submit a declaration form to Customs Inspection Counter regardless if you have accompanied and/or unaccompanied items. The form is available in the aircraft. When you have unaccompanied baggage, two copies of the written declaration forms are required to be submitted at the time of your entry, one of which will be returned to you with the seal of certification by a Customs officer.
Copyright © Ministry of Finance Japan
For more details, please see Japan Customs homepage. https://www.customs.go.jp/english/passenger/index.htm
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 13
(6) Exchanging Money Just past the customs area, before you enter the arrival hall (Narita Airport) or at the arrival lobby (Haneda Airport), you will see bank teller windows. If you do not have any Japanese Yen, you should exchange your money at this bank. This is a safe and reliable bank that offers competitive exchange rates. This bank is open for every arriving flight. U.S. dollars and EURO are the most convenient currency to exchange.
Note on Exchanging Money: You cannot use currencies other than Japanese Yen in Japan, so be sure to have Yen cash before leaving the airport! Changing your foreign currency into Japanese yen near IUJ is very difficult. Please do this at the airport!
For more details, please see Narita Airport: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/svc_11 Haneda Airport: http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/bank.html#exchange Niigata Airport: http://www.niigata-airport.gr.jp/facility/?lang=en
Narita Haneda Niigata
(7) Luggage Transport Service (Narita/Haneda Airport Arrival Lobby) Once you leave customs and enter the arrival lobby, you will see several service counters. Narita Airport (1F) Luggage delivery service: ABC, GPA, ANA Skyporter or QL Liner counters Limousine Bus counter: purchase tickets for the bus to downtown Tokyo Train Ticket Counter: purchase train ticket to Tokyo, Ueno (Keisei) and/or all the way to Urasa (JR) Haneda Airport (2F) Luggage delivery service: ANA Air Service or JAL, ABC Airport Bus ticket vending machine: purchase tickets for the bus to downtown Tokyo Train Ticket Gate: purchase train ticket to Shinagawa (Keikyu) or Hamamatsucho (Monorail) You will find signs in English to guide you through the airport. We recommend you to send your bags through the luggage transport service rather than trying to carry them on the trains. Moving through the train stations and on and off several trains can be difficult when you are tired and carrying too many bags. Baggage delivery service in Japan is very reliable. If you choose to use the luggage transport service, go to one of the luggage delivery service counters in the arrival lobby after customs clearance. Delivery will take just a few days, but remember to take with you the things you need for the next few days. One bag, a maximum of 20 kilograms, will cost about ¥2,000. Give the company your Japanese address (as shown below) and room number:
〒949-7248 新潟県南魚沼市国際町 777 番地 国際大学 学生寮 SD__ - ______(Fill in your own room number) ______(Fill in your name)
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 14
For more details, please see Narita: https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/service/svc_05 Haneda: http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/premises/service/delivery.html Niigata: http://www.niigata-airport.gr.jp/facility/?lang=en
Narita Haneda Niigata
Note: If you plan to send any luggage in advance by separate mail before departure from your country, READ the important information provided on pages 4-5 of this guide! In case your suitcases or luggage is slow in arriving or arrives damaged, please keep with you all paperwork and the telephone number and address of the luggage transport service company so your baggage can be traced.
(8) Leaving Narita/Haneda Airport Narita Airport is more than 300 kilometers and Haneda airport is around 250 kilometers from IUJ. Follow the directions given below and you should have no problem. If you can make all the connections, you will arrive at IUJ approximately 4 hours after passing through customs of Narita Airport and 2.5 hours after passing through customs of Haneda Airport. Also look for people carrying THIS GUIDE BOOK to find others traveling to IUJ. Many students arrive at about the same time and you are likely to find someone to travel with by showing off this guide! Follow the directions below to get to Urasa. Also please see diagram from Narita/Haneda Airport on page 18-20. A website, “Japan Transit Planner,” might be very helpful and available in many languages. Enter the point of departure, destination, date, etc., hit “Search,” and routes, fees, etc. will be displayed. https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en
Note: Whether or not you are a scholarship student, you are responsible for the cost of travel from Narita/Haneda to IUJ (approx. ¥12,000 from Narita and ¥9,000 from Haneda). Please ensure that you have sufficient Japanese currency before leaving home or obtain Japanese Yen before leaving the customs area.
(9) Directions From Narita Airport to IUJ - Narita Express After you clear customs, go to a JR Ticket Counter (in the arrival lobby or B1F) to purchase express train tickets from Narita Airport Station to URASA Station. You will get a ticket for the “Narita Express” which runs between Narita Airport Station and Tokyo Station, and a ticket for a bullet train (“Shinkansen”) that runs between Tokyo Station and URASA Station. You will transfer at Tokyo Station to catch a “Joetsu” Shinkansen. All seats on the Narita Express require a reservation which can be made when you purchase your ticket. Your ticket will indicate, in order from left to right, the Car Number, Row Number and Seat Number. If the train you want has no seats available, you will be asked to wait and take the next available train. They run about every half hour.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 15
For more details, please see https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/.
(10) Another Option from Narita - Keisei Skyliner Express There is another means of transport from Narita Airport to “Ueno Station” (another Shinkansen station in the city of Tokyo) by private railway, the so-called “Keisei Skyliner.” This service takes you to a part of Ueno Station called “Keisei Ueno.” You must walk about 10 min. from “Keisei Ueno” station to “JR Ueno” station in order to transfer to a “Joetsu Shinkansen” bound for Niigata. If you have a bit more time you may also take a cheaper limited express train. For time tables and costs, please ask at the ticket counter. For more information, please see https://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/index.php
(11) Directions From Haneda Airport to Tokyo – Keikyu Airport Limited Express After you clear customs at Haneda, go to a Keikyu Railways (in the arrival lobby) and purchase a train ticket from Haneda Airport Station to Shinagawa Station. Transfer at Shinagawa Station to the “Yamanote” line, “Tokaido Honsen” line, “Keihin Tohoku - Negishi” line or “Yokosuka” line to go to Tokyo Station. At Tokyo Station, transfer to the “Joetsu” Shinkansen to get to URASA Station. For more details, please see https://www.haneda-tokyo-access.com/en/.
(12) Another Option from Haneda – Haneda Express (Monorail) There is another means of transportation from Haneda Airport to “Tokyo Station” by private railway, the so-called “Monorail”. This service takes you to a part of Hamamatsucho Station called “Monorail Hamamatsucho.” You must walk from “Monorail Hamamatsucho” station to “JR Hamamatsucho” station in order to transfer to a “Yamanote” or “Keihin Tohoku” line for Tokyo. After arriving at Tokyo Station, please catch a “Joetsu Shinkansen” bound for Niigata. For more information, please see https://www.tokyo-monorail.co.jp/english/
(13) Transferring to the Bullet Train – Joetsu Shinkansen “Toki” or “Max Toki” Shinkansen means high speed train. The “Joetsu” Shinkansen is the bullet train that takes you from Tokyo (Tokyo Station or Ueno Station) to Urasa Station, which is 4k from IUJ. There are reserved seats and non-reserved seats and all cars are non-smoking. Note: Whenever you travel by train in Japan, you must keep your tickets all the way to your destination and hand it over at the destination ticket gate. If you lose your ticket you will be charged the entire fee again.
At Tokyo Station, you will use escalators to go up to the ground floor level in order to transfer to “Joetsu Shinkansen”. Follow the dark green signs with the words Joetsu Shinkansen (上越新幹線). Once near the ticket gate, refer to the electronic signs that alternate between English and Japanese indicating departure times (exact), train numbers
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 16
and departure platform numbers. There are different kinds of Joetsu Shinkansen: “Toki”, “Max Toki” and “Tanigawa”. Be sure that you take a train that stops at Urasa Station. Most of these are Toki and Max Toki trains. Once in Tokyo Station, if you want to double check that your train stops at URASA, ask the conductor to confirm. Also look at the bilingual electronic message boards above your head which lists the stations where the train will stop. There are also announcements in English once you get on the train and electronic display boards above each entrance inside the train cars that show all the stops the train will make. Be ready to get off the train as it approaches Urasa Station (music plays just before each station followed by an announcement). Urasa is the one after Echigo-Yuzawa (about 14 minutes). See the train timetable (page 20) and a list of the stops along the way (page 21). Japanese trains are “always” exactly on time.
(14) Arriving in Urasa
Once you arrive at Urasa station, go towards the East exit（東口）which is on the BIG mountain side of the station (as opposed to the lower, but nearer, mountain range on the West side). This exit is to the LEFT after going through the ticket gate. Go down the hallway, and take one of these options:
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 17
(A) Bus to IUJ: To find the IUJ bus, go down the middle stairwell to your LEFT and look for a round white sign with a blue IUJ logo on it. That is the IUJ Bus Stop. The IUJ Bus will take you from Urasa Station to IUJ free of charge. The bus operates from Monday to Friday until 8pm. See the IUJ bus information at pages 20- 21. IUJ bus stop at Urasa Station Check the SEPTEMBER schedule on the OSS website to confirm about special Saturday and Sunday bus services in mid-September for your first arrival. (The QR code is on page 9.) (B) Taxi to IUJ: If you arrive at a time when the bus is not running, take a taxi to IUJ. You will find the taxi standing down the RIGHT stair case – it is located the opposite side of the stairs from the IUJ Bus stop. Ask the driver to take you to “Kokusai Daigaku Gakusei-Ryo SD1 (IUJ Student Dormitory 1)”. The taxi costs approximately ¥2,000.
Once you arrive at the dormitory you will be assisted by the Dorm Director, Dorm Staff or the staff from the OSS to check into your IUJ dorm room.
(15) Transport Schedule
Narita Option One: Using Narita Express Travel Time Transportation Fare (subject to change) (approx.)
Narita Airport JR Narita Express 60minutes Station (ordinary cars, all seats ¥10,970 (non-reserved) reserved) ¥11,500+ (reserved)
Tokyo Station JR Joetsu Shinkansen 100 minutes
Urasa Station School Bus* -or- Taxi Free* -or- Taxi ¥2,000 10 minutes
Total: ¥10,970 - ¥13,500+ IUJ * The IUJ School bus operates free of charge during office hours on weekdays only. Otherwise a taxi costs about ¥2,000.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 18
Narita Option Two: Using Keisei Skyliner Travel Time Transportation Fare (subject to change) (approx.)
Narita Airport 50 minutes Station Keisei Skyliner ¥2,680** (ordinary cars, all seats Keisei Ueno reserved) 10 minutes Station
¥7,810 (non-reserved) Ueno Station JR Joetsu Shinkansen 100 minutes ¥8,340+ (reserved)
Urasa Station School Bus* -or- Taxi Free* -or- Taxi ¥2,000 10 minutes
IUJ Total: ¥10,490 - ¥13,020+
* The IUJ School bus operates free of charge during office hours on weekdays only. Otherwise a taxi costs about ¥2,000. ** A few more trains are available that are express (Cityliner) and limited express. This adds 10-30 minutes to the travel time but the fare is about 80% to 50% off. Ask the ticket salesperson for schedules. Seats are unreserved.
Haneda Option One: Using Keikyu Airport Limited Express Travel Time Transportation Fare (subject to change) (approx.)
Haneda Airport Keikyu Airport Limited ¥300** 12 minutes Int’l Terminal Express
Shinagawa Walk Station
JR Shinagawa JR Line 11 minutes Station ¥7,810 (non-reserved)
¥8,340+ (reserved)
Tokyo Station JR Joetsu Shinkansen 100 minutes
Urasa Station School Bus* -or- Taxi Free* -or- Taxi ¥2,000 10 minutes
IUJ Total: ¥8,110 - ¥10,640+
* The IUJ School bus operates free of charge during office hours on weekdays only. Otherwise a taxi costs about ¥2,000. ** A few more trains (local, limited express, etc.) are available.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 19
Haneda Option Two: Haneda Express (Monorail) Travel Time Transportation Fare (subject to change) (approx.)
Haneda Airport Tokyo Monorail ¥500 14 minutes Int’l Terminal
Monorail Hamamatsucho Walk Station
JR Hamamatsucho JR Line 11 minutes Station ¥7,810 (non-reserved) ¥8,340+ (reserved)
Tokyo Station JR Joetsu Shinkansen 100 minutes
Urasa Station School Bus* -or- Taxi Free* -or- Taxi ¥2,000 10 minutes
IUJ Total: ¥8,310 - ¥10,840+
* The IUJ School bus operates free of charge during office hours on weekdays only. Otherwise a taxi costs about ¥2,000.
(16) Timetable of Joetsu Shinkansen to Urasa Station and connection to IUJ Bus Shuttle Service (Schedule as of March 14, 2020) Train Number Tokyo Station Ueno Station URASA Station IUJ Bus Toki 301 6:08 6:14 7:37 Taxi or 8:19 Max Toki 303 7:04 7:10 8:27 9:04 Max Toki 305 7:48 7:54 9:20 10:00 Toki 309 8:52 8:58 10:35 11:01 Toki 315 10:16 10:22 11:48 12:04 Toki 319 11:40 11:46 13:13 13:20 Max Toki 321 12:40 12:46 14:14 14:20 Toki 323 13:40 13:46 15:13 15:41 Toki 325 14:40 14:46 16:12 16:33 Toki 329 15:40 15:46 17:13 17:37 Toki 333 16:40 16:46 18:12 18:20 Max Toki 337 17:40 17:46 19:09 19:28 Toki 341 18:52 18:58 20:29 Taxi Toki 347 20:24 20:30 22:00 Taxi Max Toki 351 21:40 21:46 23:20 Taxi Listed above are the “Toki” trains that DO stop at Urasa Station on the way to Niigata Terminal. There are more Toki and Max Toki trains but they DO NOT stop at Urasa. Please don’t take a train that is NOT listed here. IUJ Bus runs from Urasa Station to IUJ. On Saturdays and Sundays, it operates on a
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 20
limited schedule: Saturdays -- 8:19 16:24 Sundays – 9:40, 16:24 IUJ Bus Timetable is available at https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss-f/travel/IUJ_bus.pdf
(17) Shinkansen Stops Below are the stations at which the Shinkansen stops. When you buy train tickets please make sure that the train you choose stops at Urasa Station. Trains do not necessarily stop at all the stations. You may skip some stations on the way - specifically “Honjo Waseda” and “Jomokogen” - so do not be alarmed. Tokyo → Ueno → Omiya → Kumagaya → Honjo Waseda → Takasaki → Jomokogen → Echigo Yuzawa → URASA → Nagaoka → Tsubame Sanjo → Niigata
(18) “Sumimasen” - Getting Help Along the Way “Sumimasen” means “excuse me”. Please show the following note to someone if you need help after you arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and are trying to get to the Tokyo Station and Urasa Station. ・ すみません、東京駅までの行き方を教えてください。 (Excuse me, how can I get to Tokyo Station) ・ すみません、浦佐駅までの行き方を教えてください。 (Excuse me, how can I get to Urasa Station)
Please show this note to someone when looking for the “Joetsu Shinkansen” at Tokyo, Ueno, or Niigata Station. It says you are looking for entry to the Shinkansen. The person will probably be very helpful. ・ すみません、上越新幹線のホームはどこですか？ Show the following note to someone if you need help after you arrive at Urasa Station and are trying to get to the IUJ School Bus or Taxi to IUJ campus. It asks where the IUJ bus (or taxi) departure area is. ・ すみません、国際大学バスのりばはどこですか？ (to get to the IUJ school bus) ・ すみません、タクシーのりばはどこですか？ (to take a taxi)
See pages 82-86 for more communication help.
View the lesson videos of useful Japanese expressions, created by IUJ!!! These videos give lessons for asking directions and prices, shopping at various types of stores such as convenience stores, electrical appliances shops, and pharmacies, ordering food and paying at a restaurant, extending an invitation for various activities, etc. Also socio-cultural issues are explained in one-point advice section. URL https://www.iuj.ac.jp/language/japaness_videoclips_en.html QR code Scan the QR code on the right with your mobile device to access our videos. YouTube Search “TubeIUJ”.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 21
(19) Alternative Route to IUJ: Using Niigata Airport If your travel plans allow, it might be easier and more cost effective to come to IUJ via NIIGATA International Airport. (If you plan to apply for a work permit, however, we do not recommend using this airport. Please read page 52 for details.) Niigata Airport is located in Niigata City which is about 2 hours from IUJ. This is a small international airport. Routes to Niigata Airport go through Osaka, Nagoya or Seoul. After clearing customs, go to the front of the airport building and look for a Limousine Bus stop. These are very easy to find - it is a small airport. Take the bus for Niigata Station (about 25 minutes and it costs ¥420). From Niigata Station take the Joetsu Shinkansen（上越新幹線）to URASA STATION (about 40 minutes). The train schedule between Niigata and Urasa is noted below. The Japanese phrases above will also help you when looking for the Shinkansen at Niigata Train Station. Once you arrive at Urasa Station, follow the same directions as “Arriving in Urasa” (pages 17-18). The connections are quite easy to make, but there are fewer signs in English. Niigata Airport also offers luggage delivery service. When you ask to have your luggage delivered, use the address provided page 14.
Timetable of Joetsu Shinkansen: Using Niigata Airport (as of March 14, 2020) Train Number Niigata Station URASA Station IUJ Bus Max Toki 302 6:33 7:09 Taxi Max Toki 306 7:19 7:55 8:19 Toki 308 7:49 8:27 9:04 Toki 314 9:23 9:59 10:00 Max Toki 316 10:17 10:53 11:01 Toki 318 11:19 11:55 12:04 Toki 320 12:35 13:11 13:20 Toki 322 13:19 13:55 14:20 Toki 326 14:19 14:55 15:41 Max Toki 330 15:37 16:09 16:33 Toki 334 16:23 17:00 17:37 Toki 338 17:20 17:56 18:20 Toki 342 18:12 18:48 19:28 Toki 346 19:36 20:12 Taxi Max Toki 348 20:20 20:56 Taxi Max Toki 350 21:35 22:11 Taxi Toki 480 22:20 22:56 Taxi Listed above are the “Toki” trains that DO stop at Urasa Station on the way to Tokyo Terminal. There are more Toki, and Max Toki trains but they DO NOT stop at Urasa. Please don’t take a train that is NOT listed here. IUJ Bus runs from Urasa Station to IUJ. On Saturdays and Sundays, it operates on a limited schedule : Saturdays -- 8:19, 16:24 Sundays – 9:04, 16:24 IUJ Bus Timetable is available at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss-f/travel/IUJ_bus.pdf
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 22
(20) Getting into Your Dorm Room and Visiting the OSS Get off the bus or taxi at the SD1 dormitory (3-story gray building), where the office of Dorm Director and Dorm Staff is located. You may need to walk over there from the main entrance of IUJ. Obtain your key from the Dorm Director/Dorm Staff, fill in the check-in form they provide and put your bags in your room. Basic info and campus map will be provided there. After you feel rested, walk across campus to the OSS which is located in the first floor of the library building. (See the IUJ Campus Map on page 78.) The OSS staff would like to greet you and provide extra information to you. There will be posted times to help you with some city registration paper work in small groups, as well. Please bring your Residence Card and passport with you to this paper work. You will receive a name tag to wear through September and supplemental information to this guide. Please read it over a few times and bring your questions to the Campus Life Orientation sessions (see dates and times in other materials provided). We also need to take your photo using our digital camera for the internal campus directory and your IUJ Student ID/Library Card. We can do this your first visit or within one or two days of your arrival. Photos are also used by Career Counseling & Services when providing candidate list to recruiters. Look professional! Smile!!
(21) Settling into the Area The first few days after your arrival at IUJ may be rather quiet. Don't worry! This won't last for long so do enjoy the down time. But here are some tips for where to buy things to settle in, meeting your new campus and off-campus friends and etc. Orientations - be sure to check the most updated info on the orientation schedule as soon as you arrive and fully participate in the sessions. The schedule is accessible online at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/september/SeptemberPlan.pdf (The QR code is on page 9.) Items for your room and kitchen use - DAISO The Saturday and Sunday IUJ bus, and maybe some special buses for arriving students, will take you to Muikamachi for shopping at AEON and Koide at Harashin and Gyoumu Super. In the AEON and Harashin complex are the 100yen shops called DAISO and SERIA. MANY items you will find useful are sold here: from hand lotion to notebooks and from small plants to magic tricks, and from plates and pans to plastic containers, from hand towels to gift wrapping supplies! And all available for ¥110 to ¥880 (including sales tax). 100yen shops are a must stop! MENTOR Program through OSS - Entering students will be matched with a 2nd year student in your same academic program for initial support as you settle in to IUJ life. They can help with questions about your program, registration, course/faculty selection and any other matters you may want to ask a fellow student. Flea Market - students will sell items to you donated by those who already graduated usually the first or second Saturday of October. There are some good deals on refrigerators and book shelves, etc. so wait for that before buying any major things. UMEX - is an off campus volunteer group that usually offers a welcome Barbeque on campus on a Sunday in September just after most have arrived. Watch for an invitation. Family Concerns – before bringing families to the area new students are highly
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 23
recommended to use both Fall and Winter terms to settle in, get to know your academic life*, the area, schools, transportation issues, housing options and most importantly the weather factors (we have amazing snow fall in winter term that may be difficult for family members). Please make plans for an April arrival (or later) of your family if you will bring them. Waiting until your 2nd year at IUJ is highly recommended! * Fall and Winter terms of your first year are the most academically demanding and time consuming. This makes caring for your family more difficult. The OSS services extend only to student support and cannot be involved with your private family matters.
Note: This recommendation may not apply to students on a specific scholarship like JISR.
For details on bringing family, please access the Family Guide NOW. https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss-f/living/FamilyGuide.pdf
(22) Registration for Address and National Health Insurance You are asked to visit Minami Uonuma City Office with your passport and residence card for the registration for your address and join the National Health Insurance system at the same time.
IUJ arranges for new students who can arrive at IUJ by the appointed date to register on campus. If you cannot arrive in time, you have to visit the City Office in person by yourself. The notification of your residence can be done as part of filing a “moving-in notification.”
(23) Social Security and Tax Number System – nicknamed “My Number” Everyone in Japan (except tourists) is issued a Welfare Registration unique number called “My Number.” The city officials will help you register for it with the procedures above. Once issued, it will be your number for the rest of your stay in Japan. Please keep it private and safe, maybe store it with your passport. Present it if and when you use/need any social services. If you leave Japan after graduating from IUJ, return it to the City Office at the time of your moving-out procedures. If you stay in Japan after IUJ, please bring it with you to your next destination, and return it to the City Office of your area when you leave Japan for the last time as a long-term resident of Japan.
You will need to present “My Number” if you get a paying job when you file your taxes in February.
Detailed information in various languages is available at the following website: https://www.cao.go.jp/bangouseido/foreigners/english.html
(24) “My Number” and Sending/Receiving Money in Japan When you want to receive or send money from/to overseas at the bank or post office, you must indicate your “My Number” on the required remittance documentation. If you need to do this before your My Number notification card is sent to you, do the following: Go to the local City Office and request a Residence Certificate (Juminhyou) (this is different from your Residence Card). Specifically request that it include your “My Number.” It can be issued immediately and costs about 300yen.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 24
Take that Residence Certificate to the bank or post office to arrange for your money transfer. o To RECEIVE money, you must present the My Number just the first time at each bank you may be using. o To SEND money, you must present the My Number each time.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 25
Section II: Campus Information
II-1 IUJ Administration and Services
(1) Office of Student Services (OSS) The Office of Student Services is in charge of general student affairs (non-academic) including the following matters: dormitory/accommodations, student ID cards, visas, scholarships, health and accident insurances, health examinations and follow-up, extracurricular activities (on and off campus), alumni relations, student discounts for travel “GAKUWARI” (full-time students only), and any other general information not provided by other offices. In addition to the above roles, the OSS also provides a place where you can bring individual problems. An important orientation to campus life and living in Japan is offered before classes begin. We highly recommend that you attend these informative sessions.
OSS takes care of Lost and Found items. Please put your name on all your belongings to help us return them to you in a timely manner. This includes: cameras, mobile phones, smart memory sticks, coin purses, textbooks and files, umbrellas, shopping bags, coats and sweaters, hats, glasses, etc. If you do lose an item, check first with the OSS (come to the office or look in the Lost and Found cabinet). If you find items on campus, turn them in to the OSS and provide the necessary information to the staff.
OSS Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM Dorm Director & Dorm Staff The Dorm Director’s and Dorm Staff’s office is located at the entrance of Student Dormitory 1 (SD1). They offer dorm residents assistance with their stay on campus. Please give your dorm room preferences now at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp//oss/september-schedule/ (See under “Dorm Room Request.”) Business hours are as follows. Dorm Director: 16:00-19:00 & 20:00-23:30, 7 days a week Dorm Staff: 8:30-12:00 & 13:00-17:00, 7 days a week
Alumni Relations IUJ has an active alumni network. See the Alumni homepage for details on services you can look forward to enjoying after you graduate https://www.iuj.ac.jp//alumni/. Incoming women students may ask to be paired with a woman student/alumni mentor in our Global Women’s Mentor Network. Men may also be paired with Alumni in the Men’s Mentor Program, and all may use the Alumni Career Advisors Network (A- CAN) to get career advice from professionals in your field.
Social Media Here is the information of IUJ’s social media that you might want to subscribe: Facebook: (Official) Facebook.com/iujpage/ (2020 Support Group) Facebook.com/groups/IUJSupport2020
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 26
(We love IUJ) Facebook.com/groups/WeLoveIUJ/ Twitter: IUJ-en Linked in: International University of Japan Instagram: iuj-en
FB Official FB 2020 Support FB We Love IUJ
Twitter Linked in Instagram
(2) IUJ Counseling Services IUJ has a full-time professional counselor on campus. The services are free and available in Japanese and English. The counselor can support your personal, academic, social, and life development. You can talk about any concerns and thoughts privately to the counselor with a confidential appointment. Stress-related matters, personality/identity questions, relationships, cultural adjustment/home-sickness, habits/lifestyle changes, and other challenges in life can be the themes discussed. The counselor arranges on-campus medical doctor consultations a few days a month. Online Appointment is available for both health consultation and counseling. The counselor also provides information, events/activities, and workshops to enhance wellness promotions. See the counseling page on IUJ website and the bulletin board for details and appointment instructions after arriving at IUJ. Office Location: MLIC building 2nd floor by Language Faculty Office & Workroom Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 AM-6:00 PM TEL: 025-779-1506 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/counseling (including online application) Password will be informed after arrival.
(3) Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) The Graduate School of International Relations (GSIR) and the Graduate School of International Management (GSIM) have an academic program office; the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA). They can assist you with all academic-oriented administrative matters, transcripts and matriculation forms, course descriptions, class schedules, course registration and withdrawal, distribution of textbooks, exchange program, etc. Contact them at [email protected] (GSIR students) or [email protected] (GSIM students). The Language Program The staff of the Language Program help coordinate the Summer Intensive English Language Program (IEP), Intensive Japanese Program before Fall term, and assist the language faculty throughout the academic year. To participate in the Intensive
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 27
Japanese Program in September, be sure to apply before the deadline. See https://www.iuj.ac.jp//language-center/jlp/ and the information sent separately.
OAA Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM
(4) JICA Joint Project Office (JJPO) The JICA Joint Project Office (JJPO) provides JICA sponsored students with various services in coordination with JICA, which including following matters: - Planning and organizing JICA special programs (field trips, special lectures). - Processing payment of Living Allowance and Research Support Allowance for JICA Long Term (Knowledge Co-Creation Program) students. - Arranging and conducting monitoring meetings. - Coordination between the students and JICA on inquiry about rules and procedures. - Promoting joint projects with JICA.
JJPO Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM
(5) Matsushita Library & Information Center (MLIC)
The Matsushita Library and Information Center (MLIC) fulfills the dual functions of offering library and IT services. This advanced, user-oriented information center is maintained, developed and continually upgraded by full-time experienced library and IT staff. A special orientation will be offered upon arrival and useful workshops are offered throughout the year. The library holds about 100,000 books, about 73,000 full-text electronic journals, 11,400 e- books, and a variety of commercial databases for the research and study use. Broad subject areas covered by our collection include international relations, international development, political science, area studies, economics, business and administration, finance, accounting, marketing, management, etc. Other subject areas such as language, philosophy, statistics, and communications also form part of the collection. The library stays open until midnight during the term. Two PC rooms are open for 24 hours during the term. To learn more about MLIC, please see the MLIC’s web pages at: Library Services: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/library/ IT Services https://www.iuj.ac.jp/cs/ MLIC Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM
(6) Office of General Affairs (OGA)
This office handles the general day-to-day matters of IUJ: buildings and grounds maintenance, and equipment and meeting space. It also supports full-time faculty, visiting faculty, and administration staff matters. Through the Energy Center, it handles all maintenance matters related to energy, electricity, gas, water and heating, including those in the dormitories. Any facility problems in the dorms such as telephones, shower-curtains, drainage pipes, heaters and so on are handled by the OGA and Energy Center in coordination with the Dorm Staff Office located in Student Dorm (SD1). Garbage disposal matters and
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IUJ school bus matters are also handled by the OGA. They also take requests for reserving party space including the BBQ site. The Accounting Office helps students open a bank account and conduct several banking transactions on campus: IUJ living expense bills (housing, utilities, telephone, etc.), copy card bills, and cash cards. OGA Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 12:00 noon, 1:00 – 5:00PM
(7) Office of Admissions & Career Support (OACS) The OACS is in charge of student recruitment activities, non-degree programs, public relations, career services, and admissions. To participate in IUJ’s Open Campuses and/or Information Session, and to receive IUJ brochures to give to those you know who might want to apply to IUJ, please contact them at:
Phone: (+81)25-779-1104 Fax: (+81)25-779-1188 Web site: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/request/ (in English) https://www.iuj.ac.jp/j/admis/request/ (in Japanese) E-mail: [email protected]
Admissions Admissions questions should be directed to: GSIR: (+81) 25-779-1200, [email protected] GSIM: (+81) 25-779-1500, [email protected] https://www.iuj.ac.jp/admis/
Career Support Services Job and Internship finding support is coordinated in the OACS. Registration for this support is required in early fall term each year! A September workshop series that continues through Fall Term is offered. The team also provides career resources in the IUJ Library, publishes a Resume Book and distributes it to key contacts, helps put students in touch with alumni, and coaches and advises students on their own job and internship searches. They also coordinate campus interviews and selection of candidates during IUJ On-Campus Recruiting Season in the Winter Term. For more information, contact the team at ([email protected]; subject line “IUJ incoming student question” - Tel. 81-25-779-1530). Attending Fall workshops and overview sessions is vital to your career & internship hunt. Internships are not a tradition in the Japanese corporate world, and not everyone gets an internship as the process is very competitive. Japanese language skills are often a deciding factor for those who successfully find jobs and internships! We highly recommend that you come to IUJ armed with Japanese Language skills and start in our Intermediate level. See the IUJ Career website homepage for details on our services and last year’s placement report: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/career/. Those seeking UN/IO internships are provided with special workshops and guidance. Application time is January and February. OACS Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 12:00 noon, 1:00 – 5:00PM
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(8) Office of Top Global University Project The Office of the Top Global University Project was established when IUJ was selected for the “Top Global University Project” of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in September 2014. This project aims to enhance the international compatibility and competitiveness of higher education in Japan. The selected 37 universities are expected to press forward with comprehensive internationalization and university reform. Distinctive efforts of this office are to promote: 1) Nurturing Resilient Global Leaders, 2) Supporting International Expansions of Japanese Businesses, 3) Building Human Resource Networks in the African States, and 4) Expanding the Global Human Resource Development Program. This office’s overarching goal is the enhancement of IUJ’s education and research systems so as to foster capable, talented, internationally oriented people who can help resolve pressing global issues and thus the emergence of a more peaceful, equitable, prosperous and sustainable world. Website: https://www.iuj.ac.jp//sgu/index_en.html (in English) https://www.iuj.ac.jp//sgu/index.html (in Japanese) SGU Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM
(9) President’s Office The President’s Office supports the President in planning academic activities, management and self-evaluation of the university along with the government regulations on a regular basis for improvement of the quality of both academic and non-academic matters. There are presently four main tasks in the President’s Office: - Secretarial support to the President and Vice President(s) - Self-evaluation of the University for both academic and non-academic matters - Planning Institutional faculty development activities to enhance the quality of our education - Arranging and conducting the Operating Committee Meeting
Contact us: Tel: 025-779-1511 Email: [email protected]
President’s Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM – 12:30PM, 1:30 – 5:00PM
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II-2 Campus Facility
(1) IT Services The following is information on the current IUJ computer environment. 1. A hundred computers in two computer classrooms of the Matsushita Library and Information Center (MLIC) and eight computers in two dormitory’s computer lounges are available for 24 hours a day. 2. High speed of the campus LAN network based on the gigabits backbone of optical fiber cables. 3. Access to more than 30 E-Resources 4. Both of cable LAN and Wi-Fi connection in individual rooms in the dormitories. 5. Network folders and E-Resources can be accessed from off campus. 6. Free LAN outlets for notebook computer are provided in the MLIC library and the computer classrooms, also high speed wireless LAN access is provided in the classrooms, MLIC building, the study rooms, Dormitories, Gym and the Snack Lounge, etc. 7. IUJ network login account, IUJ email address and an individual network folder on Google Drive to every IUJ student. 8. English version of Windows 10, Microsoft Office 2016 and statistical analysis software like STATA are installed on the PCs in the computer classrooms.
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Microsoft Products Regular students can install the following licensed software free of charge to their personal computer. Windows OS : Windows10 Education MS Office: Windows users: MS Office Professional Plus 2019/2016, Mac users: MS Office Home & Business 2019/2016 for Mac Language: English or Japanese Period: From September 2020 *Can be used after graduation. Wireless LAN 54Mbps/100Mbps （IEEE802.11 a/b/g/n） (Please understand that the Wi-Fi service does not provide a 100% guarantee of connection for any wireless LAN device.)
If you have any questions, please contact us at: Phone: (025) 779-1468 (From overseas dial +81-25-779-1468) Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/cs/
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(2) Library Services With extensive database subscriptions, MLIC offers free and easy access to 73 thousand full-text e-journals, 11 thousand e-books, and online newspapers, 24 hours a day, free of charge, from both on campus and off campus anywhere in the world if the internet connection is available. Besides those research databases, MLIC subscribes to leading data services, which enable students to access real time information on business and market movements. Various library services are also available through online, such as IUJ Search, a single gateway search service to receive results with various items/media available through the library E-resources and Catalog. A professional and knowledgeable staff is always available, and the library is open until 12 midnight during every term.
(3) IUJ School Bus Services IUJ offers students, faculty and staff a weekday bus service between the campus and Urasa Station, and several Urasa town businesses. It is a “School Bus” designed to support students to get to class on time. As a special service, weekend buses run to the neighboring town giving students a wider variety of places to shop, restaurants to choose from and activities to pursue. This service is offered throughout the school year. There is limited bus service provided during school breaks and the New Year Holidays.
While family members are permitted on the school bus, we ask them to refrain from using it in the morning rush time. See other limitations in the Family Guide and please follow these “rules.” IUJ bus services are operated under the OGA.
The bus guide is available at https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss-f/travel/BusGuide.pdf
(4) Gymnasium and Sport Facilities ・ First Floor: Gymnasium Courts (lines for basketball, volleyball, badminton, and futsal goals) ・ Second Floor: Weight Training/Exercise Room and Music Room (with keyboard, drums, etc.) ・ Outside Tennis Courts: Four tennis courts - two with night lighting until 22:00 (Not available in winter due to the snow). Stationary equipment (nets, tables, hoops, surfaces, poles) for basketball, soccer, table tennis, volleyball and badminton are available at the gym. Individuals should bring their own indoor gym shoes (required), rackets, tennis and table tennis balls, and shuttles, etc. or plan to purchase them on arrival. Other equipment such as basketballs and volleyballs is purchased under the IUJ budget. INDOOR Gym-only shoes are required to use the gym facilities. Please prepare non-marking sports shoes for use INSIDE only. These should be court shoes, not futsal shoes to avoid knee injury.
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(5) School Shop (IUJ Shop) Monday through Friday 8:00 - 19:00, Saturday & Sunday 13:00-19:00 (closed during the New Year Holidays) Some groceries, snacks, drinks, IUJ goods, stationary, etc. are sold here. Halal foods and snacks are also available. Services offered through the school shop are as follows: ・ Dry-cleaning ・ Parcel delivery service ・ Postal services ・ Name/business cards (meishi) ordering
(6) Cafeteria (Shokudo) The Cafeteria, affectionately known as the Shokudo serves lunch and dinner, except during the New Year Holidays. The schedule (subject to change) is: Everyday including Sat/Sun Approx. cost of ala carte meals is as follows. 11:30 - 13:30 (Last Order: 13:15) Lunch ¥350 - ¥550 17:30 - 20:00 (Last Order: 19:45) Dinner ¥400 - ¥600 For each meal, there are a variety of ala carte items including one or two meat, egg, vegetable, tofu or fish dishes, salads, and fruit dishes, soup and rice. About 90% of all offerings in the Shokudo are Halal. Those with vegetarian dietary preferences can find nutritious options every meal. For weekly menu of the Shokudo, please access the web site at https://www.iuj.ac.jp/atiuj/menu./
The meals are paid for in cash at the time of selection.
(7) Snack Lounge The Snack Lounge, located on the 2nd floor of the cafeteria and open 24 hours a day, is a nice place to relax, meet up with friends and study too! Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available.
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II-3 Campus Communications & Cards
(1) Notice Boards Students (both on and off campus) should look at the main notice boards located at the 1st floor of MLIC every day to be aware of activities and information on and off campus, class changes, guest speakers, career opportunities, special events and elementary school visit opportunities, etc. The bulletin boards in SD1, SD2, SD3 and MSA are supplemental. Student club and activity notice boards are located near the classrooms and study rooms, and are maintained by the student groups.
(2) E-mail Students will have an IUJ e-mail address for their use and all official IUJ interactions from campus. To register for your IUJ e-mail address, fill in the pre-arrival form as instructed by the Admissions Office before coming to campus. It will be activated after you attend the MLIC Orientation. Once established, please check your IUJ account every day. To apply for your IUJ e-mail address, please access the following site and submit a completed Google form: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/account_registration
Please choose a simple and professional IUJ account name as scholarship hosts, company/organization internship hosts, etc. will use it to contact you. Even if you have a Hotmail, Gmail or other account, you need to open an IUJ E-mail account for messages from campus. For any questions, please contact [email protected].
(3) Mailboxes - Mail Delivery Dorm residents have a private mailbox for personal correspondences located in the dormitories. A designated dormitory address (i.e., SD1, SD2, SD3 or MSA) should be shown for all private correspondence. To ensure the proper delivery of mail or parcels, the address should appear as follows, written in block letters or typed:
Mr. Joe INTERNATIONAL SD# - XXX International University of Japan 777 Kokusai-cho, Minami Uonuma-shi Niigata 949-7248 JAPAN
The # shown above is your specific dormitory (1, 2 or 3). Those living in MSA (married student apartments) should substitute the “SD#” with “MSA”. XXX refers to your room number. Your room number and telephone number will be notified to you at the end of August by email. Please note that the zip code (949-7248) is different from IUJ institution zip code (949- 7277).
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Note: The Dorm Staff can receive registered mail and parcels only once before you arrive at IUJ (except perishable goods). After you settle down in the dormitory, the Dorm Staff will not receive your registered mail, parcels, or any delivery items: you receive them directly.
If a delivery comes for you and you are not in your room, an “Attempted Delivery Notice” or “Non-Delivery Notice” will let you know that the delivery company tried to deliver a package when you were away. When you receive the “Attempted Delivery Notice” or “Non- delivery Notice”, please contact the delivery company. Let them know your tracking number on the notice, name, address and available time for delivering. They will re-deliver the package to you. There is an English language support telephone number indicated in small print on the notice. For help reading these forms, see https://www.iuj.ac.jp/deliveries/ All students, including those living off-campus, should check their Student Mailboxes every day. The student mailbox is located in the main building near the classrooms.
(4) Faxes Students may request the Office of General Affairs to SEND faxes for them. The fees will be charged to your bank account at a later date. They may RECEIVE faxes at the following number. 025-779-1180. (The initial 0 is not needed for overseas transmissions, but the international code and the Japan country code “81” are necessary.) Pick up your received fax from the OSS.
(5) Telephone Please give your own direct telephone number to those you expect to call. There is no switchboard at IUJ. Unless it is an emergency, IUJ will not take any telephone messages. Please do not give the number of the OSS to off campus friends as a backup to your room number. Your telephone number will look like this: 025-779-lxxx. (The initial 0 is not needed for overseas transmissions, but the international code and the Japan country code “81” are necessary.) You can make campus calls, as well as local and international calls from your room. After you arrive you may be able to purchase a mobile phone (keitai) at special student rates. You are responsible for your contract and all expenses for telephone use.
Bringing your phone and getting a SIM card is also an option. IUJ, however, is unable to provide detailed guidance. Please see online resources.
(6) Student ID Upon arrival, your photo will be taken for your IUJ student ID card, campus directory, and career services. Your Student ID card will be issued on or just after the Welcome Day. The ID card can be used for general IUJ ID, Library check-outs, using Gakuwari Coupons (travel discounts for full-time students). Lost Card - if you lose your student ID card, ask the OSS to re-issue your card (¥1,000).
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II-4 Campus Clubs, Organizations and Events
There are many events and activities on campus and in the local community. IUJ students, like most graduate students around the world, take the leadership to participate in and create their own campus life. The community is small and everyone participates in several activities to make it a lively and enjoyable time.
(1) Student Body Throughout the academic year, there are about 380 students at IUJ from over 50 countries: 85 percent of them are from countries other than Japan. The Japanese students are mostly businesspeople who have been working for a number of years before coming to IUJ or privately sponsored students. Overseas students, who come from all over Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, Europe, Oceania and Africa are partially sponsored by IUJ, the Japanese Ministry of Education, JICA or other scholarship foundations or private funds. Our common language is English, though for most English is not their native language. Learning to communicate effectively and becoming sensitive to cultural differences is a part of the IUJ experience loved and valued by all graduates.
(2) Graduate Student Organization (GSO) and its Executive Council The Graduate Student Organization (GSO) is the name of the student union at IUJ. Every regular student enrolled at IUJ is automatically a member of the GSO. The Executive Committee (EC) is made up of 15 to 17 students, six to nine of which are elected by the GSO in the Fall term and six to nine in the Spring term. EC members serve a one-year term. First-year students are welcomed and encouraged to run for election. Officers in the EC are as follows: President, Vice president, Secretary, Treasurer, Social Affairs Officer, Dormitory Affairs Officer, Sports/Club Activities Officer, Public Affairs Officer, and External Affairs Officer. The purpose of the EC is to organize the activities of the GSO, act as spokespeople for the GSO in negotiations with the administration and to foster a pleasant campus atmosphere. Funding for GSO comes from student fees (¥1,500/year) and subsidies from the university. This funding is used to purchase some sports equipment, support the various GSO activities on campus as well as special events including the International Festival. Budgets are planned and controlled by the EC. EC meeting minutes are issued by GSO-EC members.
(3) The Mentor Program IUJ incoming students may ask questions, share concerns and get advice from IUJ current students and key staff through a special online Mentor Program using Facebook. Incoming students will be invited to join through an email notice or in your Admissions packet. To join directly, please go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/IUJSupport2020/ Also, incoming students will be assigned a 2nd year student in your same academic program to offer your individual support.
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(4) Flea Market Team In early October, watch for information on an IUJ Flea Market. You will be able to purchase small and large items (bookshelves to refrigerators) donated by those who graduated, and sold by returning 2nd year students. This is a student-run, volunteer program designed to help you settle in to your IUJ life.
(5) GSIR/GSIM Councils The GSIR/GSIM Councils are responsible for assisting students, faculty and the administration in enhancing the academic life for all members of GSIR/GSIM community (students, faculty and the administration). These are elected positions and entering students may run in the election their first term at IUJ. The Councils organize such activities as debates, case competitions, business plan competitions, TEDx talks and more.
(6) Dorm Floor Representative Each floor of the dorms has a representative in principle: 3 people in SD1 and 5 people each in SD2 and SD3, and one for “SD4” residents who represent the floor/wing/area in which they reside. Representatives are chosen (or appointed) by application process to the OSS & Dorm Director. The major role is to create a social community on the floor through at least 1 get-together a term so students know their neighbors. The additional roles noted below are on an as needed, on-call basis. 1. To help the GSO-EC, Dorm Director and OSS with issues in the dorms as needed 2. To help with safety and quiet policy issues in the dorms as needed 3. To act in an event of an emergency to support their floor residents
(7) Buddy System To help dorm residents with extra support beyond what the OSS can provide, or for longer term needs, IUJ promotes a Buddy System. The Buddy System groups similar people into “families” by gender and nationality.
(8) “Houses” and House Tournament of Champions Each student at IUJ will be assigned to a “House” - a diverse group of people ready to enjoy various campus events and activities together. Each house, named after the IUJ founders and first chairmen of the board, will have an equal allocation of males and females, 1st and 2nd year students, and a mix of academic programs and nationalities. The purpose of the “Houses” is to foster cross-cultural communication, promote networking, and enhance an active campus life. One activity of the Houses will be an 8-month running tournament using both a “ladder tournament” structure, various mini-tournaments, and IUJ Olympics, with House Champions being crowned in June each year. While many of the activities will be sports oriented, board game competitions and contests for photography, snow sculptures and poetry are also planned. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to their House!
(9) Sports The IUJ community is small but very active. Regular sports activities (outside of the House activities) include basketball, soccer, badminton, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, jogging,
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biking, hiking, aerobic and hip hop dance groups, aikido, iaido, skiing and snowboarding, etc. Swimming pool & exercise facilities, golf courses and practice ranges are in Muikamachi area. For joggers and bikers, not to mention hikers, the area is ideal.
(10) Clubs Established clubs include the yearbook committee, various sports clubs, Lean In Club, Muslim Student Association, Catholic and Christian worship groups, Finance Club, Consulting Club, Photography Club, etc. If your hobby or preferred activity is not listed here, do not be concerned because interest for most any kind of club and activity can be generated with your leadership and initiative. Russian, Arabic language fun classes, chess, game nights, etc.
(11) Major Events Culti Fiesta: In fall term, IUJ students organize a festival for each other (campus only event) to share their cultures through dance, skits, and songs. Many country/regional groups prepare a short cultural display and perform it for their new IUJ friends. The event goes a long way toward two goals: 1) Creating bonds on campus between country-mates and 2) helping ALL students at IUJ realize and experience the diverse cultural environment they are now in. The IUJ Gym comes alive in color and energy as introductions to everything from African dancing to Thai wedding ceremonies, and from skits of Cambodian traditional stories to Japanese martial arts displays (and everything in between) take center court.
It is a Festival of Cultures - Culti Fiesta
IUJ International Festival: The highlight of the year is when IUJ invites the town to our IUJ International Festival, also called Open Day. This is organized by the GSO - the students of IUJ - and is usually held in the spring term. The festival includes international food stands prepared by students, cultural exhibitions and a stage show performed by students, faculty and people from the local community. In preparation for this great event, students are advised to bring with them spices from their country, recipes and unique ingredients, costumes, music and other items representative of your culture and heritage and anything you need for special performances or displays. These will be put to good use at International Festival. They are hard to get here and often cause students and parents headaches when students ask parents to help out and send things at the last minute!
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IUJ Ski Day: The GSO-EC’s biggest event in winter term is the IUJ Ski Day. Many students, including complete beginners in skiing and snowboarding, enjoy the slopes this day. A few ski lectures are held in classrooms in advance by the members of the Ski & Snowboard Club and GSO- EC. On the day, lessons on how to walk on the snow, climb hills, and slow down, etc. are offered in the morning on the day of the event by students, faculty & staff members, and local people as volunteers.
IUJ Winter Blues Musical Evening: IUJ’s musical talents (or no talents) boast their skills of singing and playing instruments such as piano, trumpet, violin, drums, and many others. Many bands are formed, and music is shared. This is a treasure for music lovers on a winter evening. IUJ Olympics: In late spring, IUJ Olympics are held featuring a wide range of fun (sometimes silly / sometimes serious) sports.
Speeches in Japanese: Also in spring term, the Japanese Language Program hosts the Japanese Happyokai - a chance for our students to show off their language skills by giving speeches, performing skits, etc. for the IUJ community and the people in the surrounding area.
Graduation Party: First year students host a formal graduation party to send off the graduating students in style.
(12) Off Campus Events There are numerous chances to visit local schools for enhancing the kids’ awareness of your cultures. The school children are eager to study your cultures so please watch the OSS notice board and participate! Community Action Team, CAT CAT is a volunteer group of students willing to support the local community in such activities as school visits, introductions to your country and culture to off campus groups, participation in local festivals including stage performances, and helping with other requests from the city to promote international awareness. Participants are often gifted a coupon that can be used at specific stores. For those actively participating in CAT activities, a certificate of appreciation is awarded at the time of graduation.
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Festivals and Activities Students can take part in seasonal activities such as local festivals and hiking. The local festivals of the year are the Oct. 20 Fire Walking Festival (those of the Shinto faith walk across hot coals to purify themselves and the items belonging to their Shrine), the Naked Men’s Festival (men clad in white shorts and straw sandals push their way into the inner part of the local shrine - and in the snow!) is held the 1st Saturday of March. The Winter Snow Festivals and International Snow Ball Fight come in in mid-February in the neighboring towns. IUJ students are encouraged to attend and participate!
Bus Trips and Homestays Both through IUJ Field Trips, and by invitation from off campus organizations and the Niigata prefectural government, students will have an opportunity to venture near and far to explore Japanese culture – business culture, traditional culture, etc. Each year a few lucky students will get to go on a homestay for a weekend or two. These events fill up VERY fast so stay aware and move quickly to register.
(13) Keep Informed and Active Notices for events are posted on the Office of Student Services bulletin boards, and announced through email. Watch for information and sign up (quickly) to participate. Once you sign up DO NOT CANCEL as cancelations greatly and negatively impacts the event.
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Section III: Dormitory Information
(1) Dormitories IUJ students come from various professional and cultural backgrounds, representing 50+ countries/territories each year. With the aim of providing these capable students with a common ground to interact and engage with each other intellectually outside classrooms, all students live in the on-campus dormitories their first year in principle. There are three Single Dormitories (SD1, SD2 and SD3) and one Married Student Apartment (MSA). Living in IUJ provided housing is part of our “residential policy.” The only reason accepted to move off campus is for family reasons. Single students will remain in the dorms.
(2) Single Student Dormitories (SD1, SD2, SD3) Each single Student Dormitory (SD1, SD2, SD3) has approximately 100 residential rooms. Each room measures approximately 14.5 m2 and is furnished with the following: a desk, a chair and a bed (size: 100cm x 210cm, with drawers under it); a clothes closet, heating and air condition units and an antenna for TV, FM and AM radio (TV and radio are not provided), private bathroom (with bathtub, shower, shower curtain, basin and toilet), window blinds, a telephone (there is no telephone hookup fee) and LAN connection. Bed mattresses, cover and a sheet with a free weekly sheets exchange service, are also provided. However, if you prefer to use your own sheets you may do so. Bedding can be purchased in Urasa at your own expense (¥10,000 - ¥40,000) and you will need to pay for the washing separately. Please note that hangers, towels, toilet paper (except the first role), soap, desk lights, or decorations of any kind are not supplied but can be purchased at the school shop or in town. Allocation You will be assigned a room and telephone number before your arrival. Requests for specific dorms or rooms are not accepted except for special cases* such as acrophobia or physical limitations (unable to use stairs), though some basic preference can be notified to us by submitting a Google form from this site: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/september-schedule/ (Click “THIS FORM” under “Incoming Dorm Room Assignments.) Allocation is random. Changing rooms is not permitted. Those without family members coming to Japan will remain on campus through graduation in accordance with the IUJ residential policy. We will notify you of your room number in the 2nd half of August by email. Please use that address (see “(3) Mailboxes – Mail Delivery” on page 34 for the format) to inform friends and family, and to send your luggage. * If you feel you have a special case, contact [email protected] as early as possible.
(3) Married Student Apartments (MSA) IUJ has an 18-unit apartment building for the married students (Married Students Apartments; MSA). These units are allocated to officially married couples. A few units are
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available to those with children younger than 6. As demand for MSA is high, unit allocation is decided by a lottery organized by the OSS after students arrive on campus (early October). Please keep an eye on the OSS notice board for the lottery. 2-6 units are available in this round. Not all of those wishing to rent a unit are able to because of the high demand, and because priority goes to 2nd year students who waited to bring their spouse. IUJ also reserves the right to give priority to special needs students (single parents, health or other special issues) and to students who come to campus married to each other. If you are in these groups, please contact the OSS as early as possible. There is a small unit bath, bedroom and open kitchen/living area. A small kitchenette with a stove top, cupboards and a sink, a desk and chair, air conditioning and heating units, LAN connection are the only furnishings. Those in MSA must provide their own refrigerators, TVs, electrical appliances and bedding by themselves. Renting is an option. A dehumidifier may be needed. Students thinking of bringing family to IUJ, should come to IUJ on their own and live in the single dormitories first. Those wishing to bring families are highly recommended to wait until Spring Term to settle in and experience the first winter before having family to support. Students must file the immigration paperwork on behalf of the spouse and children after establishing their own residency in the area: IUJ is unable to assist with this process according to immigration rules. Also, for arrangements for children to attend pre-school (only if both parents are IUJ students, or single parents may use this), kindergarten or elementary school need to be made in advance of the April school year starts. The immigration procedures will likely start in December and can take up to 3-4 months for the CoE to be issued.
Those considering to live off campus are asked to thoroughly read the info at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/off-campus/ *Not applicable to Japanese nationals and JISR scholars.
(4) Dorm Room Details Please note the following regarding your dorm room and services.
Dimensions SD1 14.3 m2 with a bit larger unit bath than SD2 & 3. Ceiling height is 2m 50cm SD2 & 3 15.0 m2 with a bit smaller unit bath than SD1. Ceiling height is 2m 75cm MSA 2 rooms (bed room and kitchen/dining area) unfurnished, plus a small unit bath. SD4 units Include kitchens and come furnished by IUJ (2nd year single students only) Rent SD1 1F ¥32,000 per month (plus utilities) Discounted as the rooms can be a bit colder SD1 2F, 3F ¥35,000 per month (plus utilities) and darker than oth er rooms. Linen and SD2, & SD3 ¥39,000 per month (plus utilities) internet services are the same. including a weekly linen service and LAN/Internet connection MSA ¥53,000 per month (plus utilities) unfurnished and without linen service, installed with campus LAN/Internet connection
* Whenever you check in/re-check in or change your room, a dormitory maintenance fee
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of ¥10,000 is charged to you. If you take any preparative summer program(s) prior to commencement of the full-time courses, this fee will be charged in the fall. Special summer program dorm rates may apply.
Non-Smoking Policy Smoking is not permitted in the dorms. Special smoking booths near the dorms are provided.
(5) Public Facilities Available in the Dorms: Lounges (air conditioned/centrally heated) are available for the following activities:
SD1 SD2 SD3 MSA Tatami Room Billiards and TV: Lounge, TV: Lounge, TV: Vending Machines Terrestrial and Terrestrial and 1F Terrestrial and Dorm Staff’s Office Satellite (BS) Satellite (BS) Satellite (BS) channels channels channels Lounge, TV: Terrestrial and 2F Lounge Satellite (BS) channels 3F Lounge Lounge 4F GSO-EC Office Lounge 5F Computer Room Computer Room 6F Lounge
On-Campus Dormitories have: Commonly shared kitchenettes with burners, and refrigerators An ice-maker in SD3 Laundry rooms with coin-operated washing machines and dryers (¥100/wash or dry cycle) Snow-tire storages are available in SD2 Commonly shared vacuum cleaners - 2 for SD1, 4 each for SD2 & SD3 and 2 for MSA All the TVs in the dorms are connected to the HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) for the residents’ use
(6) Guest Rooms on Campus Unfortunately, there is no guest house available at IUJ. And you may not host guests in your room. If you need to accommodate your private visitors or friends, it is recommended that you make a reservation at the Hotel Okabe (Tel: 025-777-4747) in advance. Rates are around ¥6,500/night. It is located very near Urasa Station, the closest train station to IUJ (4 km). Other accommodations including Japanese Inns at Onsens -hot spring baths- and AirBnB are in Urasa and throughout the area at rates from ¥6,500 - ¥15,000+.
(7) Dormitory Fees and Program Expenses Payments On the 25th of each month dormitory fees, utility fees, any textbook and library charges, insurance fees, and GSO fees (if applicable) will be automatically deducted from your
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Hokuetsu Bank account (See Money and Banking Services, also see Living Expenses). A monthly invoice showing the amount owed is issued on the 20th of every month. You have from the 20th to the 24th to make any claims of errors to the Accounting Office. You must keep appropriate funds available in your Hokuetsu account. This often means transferring money from a different bank or the postal banking services each and every month!
Note: If you check out of the dorms after the 11th of the month, initially a full month’s rent is charged, However, after the checkout paper work is processed, that month’s rent will be recalculated and reimbursed to your account the next month.
(8) Dorm Guide A Dorm Guide will be given to you upon arrival. Please carefully read and then follow the dorm rules, including the Quiet policy, Residential policy, and the No Smoking policy. Dorm rules are enforced with a yellow card warning, then red card penalty system.
For an advance copy, please see https://www.iuj.ac.jp/oss/dorm-guidance/
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Section IV: Other IV-1 Health Care
(1) Institutional Forms of Health Care Clinics and hospitals are used for all health care needs. All students need to join National Health Insurance to cover some medical expense. Dental care is provided at the hospitals or clinics. Some dental services (cosmetic) are not covered by health insurance. Emergency eye care is provided at the hospital or clinics and covered by insurance. However, glasses, frames and contacts and the prescriptions are not available at the hospital or clinic, but at glasses specialty shops, and are not covered by insurance. Contact lenses are available at the hospitals, clinics or glasses stores but not covered by insurance. (See page 2 for information on eye care items. In short, bring extras with you – including contact lens solutions.) Some JICA program scholars like JDS also have additional coverage.
(2) Compulsory Health Examinations The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology in Japan (Mombukagakusho or MEXT), under the Student Health Law, requires all regular students in Japan to have a Health Examination once a year. The OSS will post an announcement regarding the exact dates for the health examinations which are usually held on campus once in fall term and once in spring term. Taking the exam through IUJ is a free service (IUJ pays for you). You must take this exam once a year.
(3) Hospitals, Clinics and Dentists Contact Information (See map in the “Guide to Health Care & Hospitals” which is given to you once you arrive at IUJ.)
Uonuma Kikan Hospital 025-777-3200 Honmachi Dentist 025-777-2966 Yamato Hospital 025-777-2111 Sato Dentist 025-777-2872 Koide Hospital 025-792-2111 Sawata Dentist 025-777-4925 Minami Uonuma City 025-788-1222 Uonuma Eye Clinic 025-793-7347 Hospital Moegi Clinic 025-777-5222 Yasukawa 025-781-5320 Orthopedic Clinic
(4) The National Health Insurance (NHI) It is compulsory for IUJ students to join NHI upon entrance to IUJ (unless you are covered by another Japanese insurance plan, such as through your company). The OSS will help you do this at the time of the registration of your address in Minami Uonuma City. Even if you have other coverage outside of Japan, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology insists that all students register for this coverage. Without signing up for this insurance medical expense can be costly. It becomes especially important if you become seriously ill or need to be hospitalized. The medical expenses for those with families can be particularly reduced by joining this plan. By becoming a member of NHI (Kokumin Kenko Hoken), you need to bear only 30 percent of the claimable medical treatment costs at the clinic or hospital (car accident injuries are
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not covered). The premium for NHI is about ¥60,000 per year per person. But a person who has no income, such as a student, pays only about ¥20,000 per year. If you have your family with you, the premium payments depends on your family’s numbers and is about ¥10,000 per person. Of course each family member can use his/her own National Health Insurance Card and the insurance will cover 70 percent of their medical expenses.
Please note that there are some health services that the NHI does NOT cover: e.g., injuries in traffic accidents, glasses and contact lenses, baby deliveries, abortions, birth control pills, etc. Note: NHI covers you only when you are in Japan in principle. Medical claims outside of Japan could be available after you return to Japan provided that the following items can be fulfilled at your own expenses and arrangements. (1) Medical certificate (2) Medical receipt (3) Translation into Japanese of the above (1) and (2) under an official translator’s name. Therefore, supplemental coverage is needed while you are on an exchange program, overseas internship or travel overseas while a student.
(5) Accident Insurance and Individual Compensation Insurance All IUJ students must also join this two additional insurance programs which are very reasonably rated, and provides extra coverage to supplement your NHI coverage. Benefits include coverage of medical treatment for injuries incurred from IUJ-related accidents that are not covered by National Health Insurance, medical treatment for injuries to other people, and compensation for property damage. Accident Insurance covers injuries incurred in regular curricular activities/school events, and while commuting to IUJ or in transit between school facilities. Individual Compensation Insurance covers injuries to other people or property damage due to your own negligence. This insurance also covers you during internships in Japan. All regular students at IUJ are required to join both Insurances. You pay the premiums for the period of your enrollment. The premiums are paid via your bank account to the insurance company in October. Approximate amounts are 1,340yen (1 year students), 2,430yen (2 year students) 3,620yen (3 year students). When you are injured or in an accident while in an IUJ activity, you need to report it to the OSS first for help with claims. Keep all receipts.
(6) Medical Assistance Plan All international students including exchange students join a special medical assistance plan, in principle. This Plan has two parts: Daily Assistance and Emergency Assistance as described below. Application for only “Daily” or “Emergency” cannot be accepted.
Daily Assistance
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Daily Assistance covers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for interpretation over the phone in Japan for medical assistance in the following situation. Search for an appropriate/nearby hospital/clinic. Make an appointment for a doctor visits. Communicate with doctor/nurse/administrative staff at hospital/clinic. Communicate at a drugstore. Confirm/change the next appointment with doctor. Call a taxi to go to a hospital.
A blue card with the information of this assistance and the phone number you can call is available at the OSS.
Emergency Assistance Emergency Assistance provides transportation/accommodation/interpretation arrangements and costs for student’s family members coming to Japan in an emergency situation as below. A student is hospitalized for 3 days or more continuously as a result of injury suffered by accident during the study period in IUJ in Japan. A student is hospitalized for 3 days or more continuously as a direct cause of a disease or severe illness they contracted after arrival in Japan, and during the study period in IUJ in Japan. A student dies while enrolled in IUJ.
Cost of the Plan, and Plan’s provider Costs of search and rescue or relief of a student who is distressed in mountains, oceans, etc. is also provided. However, it will not cover injury or illness resulting from suicide attempts or other willful acts.
This plan is provided by Emergency Assistance Japan, Co., Ltd. The fee will be paid via your bank account to the company in November. The amount is 1,560 yen per year.
Family Membership Family members of international students can join this plan by paying the fee, however, family members can join only Daily Assistance with paying 1,100yen/person.
Opting Out Those who do not need to join this plan must inform the OSS that you will opt out of these services by the deadline and method to be announced after your arrival on campus. Failing to opt out by the deadline means you are automatically included in this plan.
(7) Travel Insurance We strongly recommend you to purchase travel insurance in case of any unexpected accident, illness or death while en route to IUJ and if traveling overseas during your IUJ days. This is important especially for the time between when you leave home and before you are covered by Japanese Insurance. This can be a few days to 4 weeks depending on your arrival schedule. Family members who may come to Japan for short or long-term stays too should be covered by Traveler’s insurance. If they are coming on a tourist visa only, that insurance should cover them for their entire time! Please see the Family Guide for details.
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(8) Receiving Medical Assistance On Campus Medical Consultations: A medical doctor comes to campus each month to provide free medical consultations in English. Students wishing to meet the doctors apply online (URL and password will be given upon arrival at IUJ) and a 15-minute time slot will be arranged. Please see details on the “Counseling and Health Consultation Info” bulletin board outside the OSS. Stress Management Consultations and Mental Health Support: A full-time mental health specialist offers free consultations in English on issues related to stress, personal issues, academic pressures, etc. Appointments are made online or directly by contacting the Counselor upon arrival at IUJ. Basic Sickness Relief Support: The Dorm Team (SD1) and the OSS keep a set of basic over-the-counter drugs to help you if you are caught without other assistance. You may receive one dosage of the medicine to help you before you can receive professional treatment or obtain your own over-the-counter medicines. The types provided are for headaches, colds, diarrhea, allergies, etc. You select your own single dose of the medicines, and do so at your own risk. IUJ cannot be responsible for allergic reactions or any other harm caused by this service. The person helping you choose the medicine is not a doctor, and has no special training. This service is available only during regular office hours and only for 1 dose. A blood pressure check machine is available at the Dorm Staff office, the Counselor’s Office, the Office of General Affairs or the IUJ Security Guard at night. Telephone Translation Service All international students including exchange students join a special medical assistance plan, in principle. This plan will provide them with information and language facilitations/translations support over the telephone. For details, please refer to the section on Medical Assistance Plan in pages 46-47. Drug Stores You can obtain over-the-counter drugs from pharmacies. Take the list of the basic medicines and body parts and symptoms which IUJ provides with you if you need assistance in communicating your needs (see back of Guide To Health Care & Hospitals which is given to you once you arrive on campus). The pharmacists can recommend products that might help. There are 4 pharmacies near the hospital/clinic, and a drug store, “Welcia” staffed by a pharmacist – all on the IUJ bus route. Multilingual Medical Questionnaire Sheet There is “Multilingual Medical Questionnaire (produced jointly by International Community Hearty Konandai and Kanagawa International Foundation)” for each department within a hospital (internal medicine, etc.) and each language (for example, Chinese, French, Russian, Arabic, etc.) available at the OSS. If you need one, please ask for it at the OSS, or download it from: http://www.kifjp.org/medical/
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Multilingual Medical Questionnaire System (M-cube)
The Center for Multicultural Society Kyoto offers this system free of charge to disaster-affected foreigners. The System can translate 1796 symptoms into seven languages - Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Indonesian and Easy Japanese. Translation is available among these seven languages. You can use M3 system even in the environment where Internet can't be used because M3 does not require Internet. For further details of M3, please access: https://tabunka-en.jimdo.com/english/
For more details of health care, please refer to the “Guide To Health Care & Hospital” which is provided after your arrival on campus, and attend orientations. These cover the local clinics, dentists, and hospital services, including language support.
Also, refer to the Family Guide, and Women’s Health Guide available in the OSS.
Specific information on our major, state-of-the-art hospital “Kikan Hospital” (general out- patient services, and hospitalization guide) is also available in the OSS. This is a referral hospital; i.e., you go to this hospital only when your primary care doctor sees a need for you to seek more advanced medical care and writes you a referral (letter of introduction).
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IV-2 Immigration Matters (1) Resident Registration System A Residence Card (RC) will be issued A Residence Card will be issued to all mid- to long-term residents at the time of entry into the country (landing permission). If you want to work or participate in an internship while a student, be sure to get a work permit stamped on your RC when you first receive it at the airport. Note: All or part of the information printed on the residence card will be recorded in an IC chip embedded in the card for the purpose of preventing the residence cards from being forged or altered. The valid period of the residence card expires on the same date as the period of stay. Be sure to read the warning notice regarding this card. Also note the requirement to have your RC with you at all times when in Japan. The information is provided by the Immigration Bureau of Japan. See http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html
Please take note of the following! In line with the introduction of the new residency management system, the following grounds have been established for revocation of resident status, deportation and penalties. Revocation of resident status You have obtained special permission to stay by wrongful means. You are residing as a spouse with “Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse of Child of Permanent Resident” status, but you have failed to engage in activities as a spouse for six months or more without a justifiable reason. You have failed to give notification of your place of residence without a justifiable reason or have submitted a false notification. Grounds for deportation You have forged or altered your residence card. You have been sentenced to imprisonment with labor or a heavier punishment for submitting false notification or similar act. Penalties You have submitted a false notification or have violated the obligation to submit a notification relating to any of the notifications required of mid- to long-term residents or have violated the obligation concerning receipt, carrying or mandatory presentation of your residence card. A stricter provision has been introduced for the crime of facilitating illegal work. You have forged or altered a residence card. Source: Immigration Bureau of Japan https://www.city.sakaide.lg.jp/uploaded/attachment/122.pdf
(2) The Proxy Visa Transaction The staff in the OSS are certified by the Immigration Office to be official intermediaries between IUJ students and the Immigration Office for the following visa matters. ① Work permission (including paid summer internships)
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② Visa extension ③ Visa status change (to a student visa) ④ Re-entry permission (if necessary) ⑤ Several other issues for IUJ students (but not family members) In principle, we will receive your applications when the OSS has a scheduled immigration trip for other matters, we check them over and then submit them on your behalf to the Immigration Office. Usually, work permits are approved on the same day we submit the applications, but other applications such as visa extensions and visa status change are usually approved one month after we submit the applications. If your schedule doesn’t meet our schedule or you are in a hurry, please check with the IUJ staff to get the required documents from IUJ (allow 2 business days for processing) and then apply directly to the Immigration Office on your own.
① Re-entry Permit: “Sai-Nyukoku” If you have a valid passport and residence card, and if you reenter Japan within 1 year of your departure, you will not be required to apply for a re-entry permit. This is called a special re-entry permit. When you leave Japan, be sure to present your residence card and tick the column indicating your intention of departure by the Special Re-entry Permit System on an ED card for Special Re-entry Permit. Make sure you have your residence card returned to you at the customs. Please note that if you leave Japan on a special re-entry permit, you will not be able to extend that permit while abroad. Also, if your student visa expires while you are out of Japan on a special re-entry permit, you will lose your resident status. Make sure you re-enter Japan within 1 year of your departure and while your student visa is valid. If you plan to leave Japan for more than 1 year or you change your visa status to “Designated Activities” after graduation, you must get a re-entry permit from the Immigration Office before your departure. The re-entry permit will be issued immediately upon application at the Immigration Office. The re-entry permit will indicate the permitted period of time for re-entry. Be sure to return within that period to avoid complicated re-entry procedures. Required Documents and Application Fee for Visa Transaction
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② Work Permit: “Shikaku-gai Katsudo” (Part-time Work) While you stay in Japan on a student visa, you are expected to be engaged only in study and research activities. If you wish to engage in secondary activities, you must obtain permission through the Immigration Office before you start. This includes any kind of work for pay, such as a part-time job, internships, etc. However those engaged in teaching/research assistant and facilitator jobs at IUJ do not need a work permit. If you plan to seek a part-time job or a paid internship (and your scholarship conditions so allow), obtain a work permit as you enter the country. You can submit your application as you enter the country through Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu international airports (Please note that if you enter Japan through other airports including Niigata Airport, you cannot have Residence Card issued or apply for a work permit at the airport). See the form on page 10. If you apply for a work permit after entering Japan, the process is much longer and more documents are required. Rules of Work Permit: Japanese Immigration Control Act allows students holding a work permit to work 28 hours per week during the academic term and 40 hours per week during school vacations (Winter, Spring and Summer* vacations) with a report from the school in which applicants are enrolled. For summer internships you may start working 40 hours a week after the official end of the term, usually the 1st of JULY. * IMBA students are enrolled during the summer months so are limited to 28 hours during the summer months as well. Required Documents and Application Fee for Visa Transaction
③ Visa Extension A student visa is valid for 1 year, 1 year and 3 months, 2 years, 2 years and 3 months, 3 years, or 3 years and 3 months in principle. Some students will need to apply for, and receive a visa extension for your second or third year of study at the Immigration Office. An application for an extension of the period of stay can be submitted between 3 months to 10 days prior to your current visa’s expiration date. When an extension is granted, “Resident Period Extension Approved” is stamped in your passport. Within this stamp, your resident status and duration of stay is again printed. Note that your new resident period begins the day after your current resident period expires, and not the day when your extension is granted.
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Note: Though your visa shows it is “valid” for another year, technically your status of “Student” ends when you graduate, making your visa “ineffective.” You must be enrolled as a full-time student in a regular program to keep your status valid. See info on “Designated Stay Visa,” the last bullet point in “Special Notes” on page 54. Required Documents and Application Fee for Visa Transaction
Special Notes: ・ We provide information and directions on how to manage immigration matters as well as offer the proxy service described above. However, all students are responsible for obtaining their own visa and for ensuring it and their passport are renewed and remain valid through their graduation. Failing to do so can result in deportation and forced withdrawal from IUJ. ・ Those planning on going on an exchange, or participating in an internship or conference etc. overseas, are responsible for obtaining their own visa to the third country. ・ Upon graduation, if you find a job and need to change your visa status (or extend your student visa status to pursue a Ph.D.) we can provide basic information and guidance, but this becomes a matter between you and the company/organization (or other university). ・ Your student visa becomes ineffective from the day of graduation because you are no longer a full-time registered student which is a pre-condition for holding a student visa. Upon graduation, you must leave the country or be in the process of changing your visa status (i.e. to a Work Visa) before graduation date to remain legal. More information is
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provided at the Career Services Overview. ・ Designated Stay Visa (Special visa after your IUJ graduation) For those who have registered with Career Services and have been actively and consistently job hunting and communicating with the Career Services office from fall term, IUJ can provide support for a special visa after you graduate. The purpose of this visa is to help your job hunt if you are unable to secure one before graduation. Those who have not been actively job hunting, or whom are not eligible to work in Japan, will not be given this special visa support. The Designated Stay visa is for an initial 6 month period to extend your stay in Japan for the purpose of job hunting. You may get a work permit & re-entry permit as well. Again, to qualify for this support, you MUST be trying very hard to get a job, with evidence to the fact in the career services office. For details see https://www.iuj.ac.jp//career/after-search
(3) Procedures of Application for Dependent Visa (Spouse and Child/Children ONLY) IUJ is legally responsible as an institutional guarantor for IUJ students only. If your family members are not a Japanese national, they will require a dependent visa (they should not come on a tourist visa under any circumstances unless they plan on staying less than 90 days. Extensions and a change of status are not possible).
Dependent visas are not always easy to get. You are legally, financially and socially responsible for your family. IUJ can provide some basic guideline or advice in emergency situations. But in general, a family’s business is your private affairs and outside IUJ’s umbrella. This includes support for prenatal & post-natal (pregnancy and birth) care and school-aged children’s arrangements though some basic support & info materials (See the Family Guide at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp//oss-f/living/FamilyGuide.pdf) are available in the OSS. Therefore, it is highly recommended for you to wait and bring your family in Spring Term after the very demanding Fall & Winter Terms (see pages 23-24 for details). Also you must be able to show a sufficient income to provide for your family. Most scholarships are not sufficient enough to support your family.
Spouses and Working In general, spouses should not come here to work. They come to support your studies and take care of the children (if applicable). To work they must have a work permit. Most employers in the area require Japanese Language skills. Any work outside the house cannot interfere with their role to support the IUJ student and your children. How to get the Family Visa To obtain your family’s Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) to be used to get their Dependent visas you must fill out the required forms, obtain various documents, and submit them to the Immigration Office for their consideration and approval. It takes about 4 months for immigration to send you the CoE and to complete the process and does not always result in a visa for the family members. Please consult directly with your embassy in Japan for specific instructions. Please do NOT make calls to the immigration office to ask about your application status. The process does take a long time. See next page for list of required items. Spouses Residence Family members must all reside at the same address: as your spouse is coming to support your studies, they should remain in the area to do just that. Documents to be submitted for a CoE for family visa (assuming you will be the sponsor
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and guarantor):
Notes: 1) A photo of the applicant(s) (4cm x 3cm), taken within the past 6 months. Attach one photo on the application form. 2) You must prepare the above documents assuming you are applying for the Certificate of Eligibility for your family. Required documents vary from each condition. 3) Proof of relationship: ・ Family registration, marriage license or marriage receipt certificate, child’s birth certificate. ・ Copy of the guarantor’s (your) passport. ・ Guarantor’s (your) Copy of Residence Record. You can obtain it at the city office for ¥300 per sheet. ・ Copy of applicant’s passport. 4) Guarantee letter by the guarantor (you): The guarantor is you and you need to indicate this on a form (available at the OSS). You have to state in a guarantee letter that you will cover all of your spouses or family’s expenditure while living in Japan, and transportation fees from Japan to your home country, and that you are responsible for ensuring that the applicant will obey Japanese laws. 5) Explanation letter: Explain why and for how long your spouse or family will stay with you, and describe your living conditions. 6) In case your relatives agree to provide your living expenses, you need the following: ・ Oath of financial support signed by the remitter (your relatives). ・ Employment and income certificate of the remitter. ・ Bank statement of the remitter. ・ Documentary evidence of remitter’s relationship with guarantor (you).
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・ Evidence of remittance (copy of remittance notice, check, bank book). 7) All documents in foreign languages except those in English should be officially translated into Japanese. Other documents may be required by the officer in charge for precise screening. Application must be submitted in person or by a designated proxy. A proxy must be a relative of the applicant and ID must be shown. IUJ cannot act as a proxy for spouse/child visas.
Note 1: Please submit “Family list” with your request to permanently move off campus form (available at OSS) before your family arrives in Japan. Your family also must register their place of residence and join National Health Insurance and obtain a My Number notification at the City Office after arriving in Japan. Send PDF copies of all documents, except My Number, to the OSS once obtained. Note 2: Your family members who hold "dependent" visa status should live with you. If your family returns before you graduate, you are expected to remain in your apartment through your graduation. Note 3: Those sponsored by JICA and IMF and Linkage students should coordinate with your scholarship representative or sponsor as well as IUJ. Note 4: Those moving off campus are required to submit a “Request to move off campus” form 4 weeks or more prior to your move to avoid financial penalties. Note 5: All of your family members planning to come to Japan may be required to submit a health exam report to IUJ in advance (not application to Japanese nationals and some specific scholarships).
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(4) Immigration Office
ACCESS MAP Tokyo: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/soshiki/kikou/map/tokyo_tokyo.html Niigata: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/soshiki/kikou/map/tokyo_niigata.html
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IV-3 Money and Banking Facilities, Services Japan is a cash-flow or e-money society. Personal cheques are not used and cause major delays when you try to cash them at a bank (up to 3 months with high transaction fees). Credit cards and e-money are now popular. You now can get cash from major credit cards in a few locations in our area including the ATM on campus. Japanese Yen is the only currency used in Japan and should be obtained before you leave the airport. Banks at the airport will offer the same exchange rate as other banks in the country.
(1) Opening a Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Account All IUJ students must have a Daishi Hokuetsu Bank account for money transactions with IUJ. IUJ’s Accounting Office will help you set up a bank account at Daishi Hokuetsu Bank after you arrive. You will get a bankbook and a card for the Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) of Daishi Hokuetsu Bank after you arrive at IUJ. This account will be used for all your business transactions (deducting dorm fees, telephone charges, copy fees, book purchases, etc. as well as scholarship disbursement when applicable) with IUJ in principle. IUJ deducts these charges, after notifying you of the total, using a direct transfer method. This method is common throughout Japan and is very safe. If you need instructions on sending/receiving money from abroad, refer below. ・ Using the Bank Card Your Bank Card will allow you to use the ATM located on campus near the IUJ main entrance to withdraw cash. Your Bank Card will also give you access to your account at other Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Branches and Seven Bank ATM (located at Seven- Eleven Convenient Stores but not at AEON Muikamachi shopping center). The ATM machine on campus and Seven Bank ATM are available from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm from Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on weekends and national holidays. There is a 110 yen (220 yen after hours and on weekends) transaction fee for using ATMs at locations other than the bank.
・ Lost Cards Should you lose your bank card, follow these steps to have it replaced. It takes 10 days to process your card replacement request after you apply (the cards are made by the bank out of town). You will not be able to use the ATM until a new card is made available to you. If you lose your cash card, please let the Hokuetsu Bank clerk know as soon as possible. Since you will need to fill out a form to have a new one reissued, please go to the Hokuetsu Bank with your Residence Card, pay them ¥1,100 replacement card fee (plus tax). For further questions, please contact the Accounting Office (x101, [email protected]).
(2) Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Services and Banking Hours The nearest bank is the Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Yamato Branch (on the IUJ bus route, TEL 025-777-3145). Banks in Japan are open from Mondays to Fridays and closed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (including January 2nd and 3rd). The Daishi Hokuetsu Bank, Yamato Branch is open from 9:00 to 15:00 on weekdays. Limited ATM services are
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available until 9 pm or 7 pm on weekends and national holidays. The ATM at the bank in Urasa is available at the following hours (NOTE: this is not a 24 hour service.): Monday - Friday: 8:00 - 21:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 9:00 - 19:00 * Deposits and withdrawals using an ATM card of Daishi Hokuetsu Bank are free of charge.
(3) Other Bank Options There is a bank called “KENSHIN” near the bridge in front of Urasa station (East Side) and a JA bank opposite Hokuetsu bank if you would like to open a separate account. However you need to maintain a Daishi Hokuetsu account for transactions with IUJ. Those with SMBC accounts set up by JICA or JP Bank accounts must transfer money to Daishi Hokuetsu Bank for IUJ transactions.
(4) Wire Transfer - “Furikomi” Follow these steps to have money transferred to you in Japan safely: 1) Come to Japan. 2) Open a bank account. 3) Indicate your “My Number” to your teller. 4) Have money wired to your bank account. You will likely need someone at home to help you so check with your home bank about these permissions. Check with your bank at home about how to request money to be sent to you when you are already in Japan, and if requests can be made by you from overseas. A fee will be charged of at least ¥5,000-¥10,000 for international transactions. Delays should be expected. Daishi Hokuetsu has limited international banking connections.
Address of the Daishi Hokuetsu Bank: Yamato Branch Swift code: DAISJPJT 996 Urasa, Minami Uonuma-shi Your Account Number Niigata 949-7302 JAPAN
(5) Bank Fees for Transferring Money Overseas To and From Japan The transferring fee through the bank is far more expensive than using the post office. For updated rates, check with the bank. For further details on banking, please visit the Daishi Hokuetsu Bank Yamato Branch. English services are available.
Also, please refer to “My Number” and Sending/Receiving Money in Japan on pages 24- 25.
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(6) Using the Post Office to Send Money to Overseas To send your money to your bank account, ask the post office to send your cash or money from your JP Bank account directly to an existing bank account. Supply the recipient’s account information. All you have to do is to go to the major post office in Japan during the office hours and ask for “Money Transfer”. You have to pay some commission to the post office depending on how much money you wish to send overseas. Also be aware that money might not be able to be sent because no agreement has been made between Japan and that country. See more details at the following site or ask more details at the Post Office. https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en_index.html
Also, please refer to “My Number” and Sending/Receiving Money in Japan on pages 24- 25.
* After you arrive in Japan and open a Japan Post Bank account, you can use their online banking service called “Yucho Direct.” If interested in this service, please ask the OSS upon arrival in IUJ.
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IV-4 Driving in Japan
If you plan to drive while at IUJ, you are required to register your car, driver’s license & insurance info with the Dorm Director and obtain a Parking Permission Sticker. If you do not, you may not use IUJ parking lots. This includes off-campus residents. Please see the Dorm Director for supportive information and necessary procedures to register your car. In order to drive a car or motorcycle in Japan, it is necessary to have a license for the specific type of vehicle you plan to drive (automatic, stick shift, motorcycle, van, etc.). The driver’s license must be carried by the individual driver at all times when driving. Be sure to have the proper license. Your own country’s license is not enough – you must also have a valid and accepted International Driver’s License obtained after being in your country 3 full months prior to entering Japan (see (2) below) or a Japanese license.
(1) Owning a Vehicle Owning a vehicle in Japan is costly (estimated ¥500,000 not including gas), and carries a lot of responsibility: You must have full insurance coverage (compulsory plus third party car insurance), have your car inspected per national regulations (Shaken, about ¥150,000+ depending on the condition of your car), prove you have a parking place, pay yearly taxes (¥29,500 - ¥111,000 depending on the size of the car), and sell or dispose of it before you leave Japan. Gasoline costs more or less ¥139/liter (as of February 2020). Be sure to keep your insurance and “shaken” up to date. Contact the Dorm Director for assistance.
(2) International Driver’s License In order to drive a car in Japan, you must: 1) Make sure you have a current driver’s license with you from your home country. It should remain valid for the entire period you are in Japan. 2) Obtain an international driver’s license that has “Geneva Convention Sept. 19th 1949”* written in it from your own country’s automobile association before traveling to Japan. This license is inexpensive and easy to obtain in your home country but once you arrive in Japan it is nearly impossible to obtain. This license is valid for one year only. You must get a new international license outside of Japan once it expires**. International driver’s licenses cannot be easily reissued.*** Legally you must obtain a Japanese license after you have been in Japan for any length of time as a resident. Please be aware that the international driving licenses currently sold through various websites are NOT recognized to be valid in Japan. 3) List of the contracting countries of the Convention at Geneva 1949 Albania Algeria Argentina Aruba Australia Austria Bangladesh Barbados Belgium Benin Botswana Bulgaria Burkina Faso Cambodia Canada Cayman Islands Central Africa Chile Cuba Curacao Cyprus Czech Republic D.R.O.Congo Denmark Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt Fiji Finland France French Georgia Ghana Gibraltar Greece Guam Guatemala Guernsey HPoaliytin esia Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Ireland Israel Italy Ivory coast Jamaica Jersey Jordan Kingdom of Spain Korea Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Lesotho Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Mali Malta Manx Monaco Montenegro Morocco Namibia Netherlands New Zealand Niger Nigeria Norway Papua New Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico R.O.Congo RGouminaena ia Russia Rwanda San Marino Senegal Serbia Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia South Africa Sri lanka Sweden Syria Thailand Togo Trinidad & Tobago Tunisia Turkey U.A.E. Uganda U.K. U.S.A. Vatican Venezuela Zimbabwe Unit
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Note: * Not all international driving licenses are recognized in Japan. Only those licenses issued by countries on the Geneva Convention list are recognized (see the table above). If your country is not on the list and you plan to drive, you must obtain a Japanese driver’s license. Please confirm with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country whether or not your country’s International Driver’s License is acceptable in Japan. ** To obtain an international driver’s license after living in Japan for any length of time as a resident of Japan (your first one or second one), you must be outside of Japan for 3 full months (plus 1 day) in one location. If this is less than 3 full months or if you are moving around to various countries during the 3 months and you come into Japan with an international driver’s license, that license will be regarded as invalid and you cannot legally drive in Japan. In order to drive, you must obtain a Japanese license (see the next paragraph for details). *** Determining whether your international driving license is valid or not in Japan can be very complicated and often requires judgments from a specialist. To be absolutely sure of the validity of your international license, you are advised to consult with the Japanese consulate/embassy in your country before coming to Japan. Once in Japan, you can take your passport, international license, and country license to an auto federation or licensing center to confirm you can drive. The closest licensing center is in Niigata, about 120 km from campus. It is strongly advised to carry the international driver’s license (BOTH the card and booklet) and passport with you whenever you drive in Japan. Obtaining a Japanese license is time consuming. It requires a written test and course driving test. Rarely do people pass it the first time. Those planning to bring family and who are allowed to drive (see your scholarship guidelines) MUST get a license before your family comes (assuming your international license is not usable in Japan and your scholarship provider allows you to own a car). Those owning a car must register the car & license/insurance info with the Dorm Director and obtain a Parking Permission Sticker. Cars without a sticker may be towed away from campus at owners’ expenses.
(3) Do Not Drink and Drive Drunk driving is not tolerated by Japan, and certainly not by IUJ! It is a serious driving offense with very severe penalties and fines from the police, as well as receiving very serious consequences at IUJ which may jeopardize your scholarship or your IUJ status. Allowing a friend to drive drunk, too, is an offense! Operating a bicycle or scooter while intoxicated is also an offense.
There is no need to drink and drive. Japan has a system called “DAIKO” taxi service which is a taxi plus a driver to bring your car back home. Please use this service.
(4) Seat-Belts All passengers in a car are required by law to fasten their seat-belts, including the rear-seat passengers. Small children (less than 6 years old) are required to be in child seats.
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(5) Driving in the Winter Niigata has a huge amount of snow in the winter which makes driving risky. Specified winter tires and sensible driving are required. If you have no experience driving in the snow, please obtain some technical skills for driving in winter from the OSS. We welcome your questions. We want you to be safe.
(6) Alternative to Driving Many students find the cost of owning a car higher than using local taxi, bus and train services. If the free IUJ shuttle bus is not operating, you can call and request a taxi to pick you up and take you to the train station. Then take the trains to the neighboring towns. Or ask the taxi to take you to a local restaurant and share the fare with friends. You can walk to catch city buses. The slight inconvenience of using public transportation is worth it in the eyes of many students and a good alternative to owning and maintaining a car, and all the responsibilities, potential dangers and costs that go with it.
DO NOT DRINK DO NOT DRIVE AND WITHOUT DRIVE! A PROPER LICENSE!
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IV-5 IUJ Life
(1) Location IUJ is situated in Minami Uonuma-city, approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Niigata City and 230 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. This area of Japan is known as “Yuki guni” (snow country) because of the heavy snowfall in winter. The IUJ campus is in a very rural area surrounded by rice fields and mountains. The nearest town is Urasa (10 minutes by bus) with a post office, banks, hospitals, clinics, supermarket and a number of small shops and restaurants. This town is adequate for daily basic needs. None of the bookstores in the immediate vicinity stock foreign language books (though online service will meet all your book needs). The larger towns (Muikamachi and Koide) are located within a 20-minute drive or a 15- minute train ride from IUJ. These towns have bigger supermarkets, Western and Asian restaurants, etc. The free weekend bus will take you to Muikamachi and Koide. Niigata City is the capital of Niigata Prefecture and is located about 2 hours away by local train or car (40 minutes by bullet train). It is a popular port city with many of the big-city attractions including an aquarium though on a less expensive and less crowded scale. Nagaoka is a bit smaller but still a major city with shopping malls at the station and another called “Riverside Senshu” just a bus ride from Nagaoka Station. Plan to explore!
(2) Climate Being situated near the center of the Temperate Zone, the Japanese islands generally have a mild climate. The changing of the seasons is clearly marked. In summer (June, July and August) it is hot and humid because of monsoons from the southeast and in winter (December, January, and February) it is rather cold due to the seasonal winds from the northwest. The climatic conditions differ greatly from region to region. In Minami Uonuma-city (where IUJ is located), the climate is extreme with heavy snow in the winter (an average of 2 meters of accumulated snow) with temperatures usually hovering around 1 degree centigrade. It is very hot and wet during the summer when the temperature can be as high as 40 degrees centigrade with humidity around 70 percent. It remains fairly warm through September with October bringing cool nights and progressively cooler days. November and March mark the peripheries of the winter season. April brings warmer weather but patches of snow remain. In May the weather turns to summer. Shown below is the average temperature (in Celsius) for each season at IUJ.
Fall 9 degrees Winter 1.5 degrees Spring 14 degrees Summer 30+ degrees and humid Though the area has heavy snow, it also features a unique sprinkler system on the roads.
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This keeps the roads clear of snow. Because the temperature usually remains above freezing in most instances this water runs off the roads without freezing and as a result transportation does not stop. On campus, there are covered walkways running from the dorms all the way to the main buildings. Campus remains open without any problems caused by the snow. However, high-topped boots, a knit hat, good socks and a warm coat are recommended. Snow tires are required for car owners.
(3) Public Holidays and Business Closings The following days are National Holidays in 2020-21. All offices and most campus services are closed. September 21 Respect for the Aged Day (Keiro-no-hi) September 22 Autumnal Equinox Day (Shubun-no-hi) November 3 Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi) November 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinro-kansha-no-hi) New Year’s Day (Ganjitsu) January 1, 2021 IUJ is closed from the end of Dec. to early Jan. No bus service January 11 Coming-of-Age Day (Seijin-no-hi) February 11 National Foundation Day (Kenkoku-kinen-bi) February 23 The Emperor’s Birthday (Tennou-tanjou-bi) March 20 Vernal Equinox Day (Shunbun-no-hi) April 29 Showa Day (Showa-no-hi) May 3 Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpo-kinen-bi) May 4 Greenery Day (Midori-no-hi) May 5 Children’s Day (Kodomo-no-hi) May 14 IUJ Foundation Day (Souritsu-kinen-bi) is an IUJ holiday. July 19 Ocean Day (Umi-no-hi) August 11 Mountain Day (Yama-no-hi) On Saturdays and Sundays, banks, business and government offices are closed. However, most department stores and shops are open. When a national holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is taken as the holiday. IUJ classes are often held despite the holiday if the professor so chooses.
(4) Living Expenses (estimated) You will need at least ¥60,000 in cash for the first few weeks before your bank account is ready and your first scholarship awards are made (if applicable). The estimated costs of the basic living expenses on campus for a single person for one month are noted below. You will need more money for your entertainment, transportation, etc. IUJ scholarships and several other scholarships are designed to off-set the cost of your education in Japan and not provide for travel, entertainment or other expenses.
Dormitory Charge (single dormitory) ¥39,000 (fixed, LAN connection included) Utilities ¥ 5,000 (variable) Meals ¥30,000 (variable) Insurances ¥1,165 (variable) Educational materials ¥20,000 (variable) TOTAL (approximates) ¥95,000+
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Other expenses include the payment of the Maintenance Fee (¥10,000) when you move into the dormitory and individual medical expenses. If you do not wish to eat in the cafeteria, you may cook in one of the dormitory kitchens. Pots, pans, plates, bowls, utensils, etc. are NOT provided. Below are possible prices for food bought at the local supermarket (plus an 8 percent consumption tax). Please be aware that things are rather expensive in Japan when compared with other countries. Though there is Daiso, an amazing 100 yen shop!
bread (white) 200 for sliced loaf coffee (Nescafe) 600 for 100g margarine 300 per 450g coffee (beans) 640 for 200g milk 200 per liter pack black tea (Lipton) 300 for 25 bags eggs (medium) 200 per 10 egg pack green tea 500 per 200g cheese 350 per 100g beer 230 per 350ml rice 1,900 for 5kg beef 350 per 100g onions 300 for 5-6 onions pork 100 per 100g potatoes 250 for 1kg pork (minced) 100 per 100g carrots 60/carrot fish (salmon) 100 per steak tomatoes 100/tomato chicken (breast) 80 per 100g lettuce 200/head
(5) Part-time Jobs Since IUJ campus is in a rural area and if you cannot speak Japanese fluently, it is difficult for you to secure part-time jobs. There are a few library assistantships, non-degree program facilitators, and teaching assistantships on campus, however, there is a waiting list for vacancies. For native or near-native English speakers, there are limited numbers of chances to teach English to groups in the area. In general, however, students should not count on finding part-time employment during their stay at IUJ. Furthermore the OSS is not in a position to find any part-time job for the students or their family members. Work for Spouses: Spouses on a Dependent visa are meant to come to support the student’s need in the house and not work outside the home. But if they do, they must have a work permit to work maximum 28 hours a week. IUJ cannot support any job hunt locally or in Tokyo for family members. IUJ will not be offering working positions to spouses, nor support a part-time employment hunt. Special Note: If you do find a paying position, you will first need a Work Permit. Get this as you enter the country on a student visa by submitting the form to the immigration officer at the airport. If you must apply later (after entering), you do so at the immigration office in Niigata or through the OSS (please refer to “Immigration Matters”) before you may begin that employment. This includes most internships in Japan and jobs in the IUJ library.
(6) Postal Services At IUJ, you may drop your mail into the red mailbox located outside the school shop. Letters and small packets can also be mailed from the school shop. The postman comes to IUJ every morning and afternoon (except Sundays).
General post offices in town are open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00. On
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weekends and national holidays, the post office is closed. You can buy postage stamps at the post office or some shops (such as tobacco shops, liquor stores, stationery shops) that have the post office symbol marked outside. They are also available at the IUJ Shop.
Air mail rates (subject to change) are as follows. Zone 1 Zone 2 Zone 3 North & Central America, Africa, Asia Oceania, Middle South America Classification Weight East, Europe Up to 25g ¥ 90 ¥110 ¥130 Letter 25 - 50g ¥160 ¥190 ¥230 Greeting Card Up to 25g ¥ 90 ¥110 ¥130 Up to 20g ¥ 70 ¥ 80 ¥ 90 Up to 25g ¥ 90 ¥110 ¥130 Up to 50g ¥120 ¥150 ¥170 Printed matter Up to 1kg ¥1,450 ¥1,860 ¥2,450 Up to 3kg ¥2,850 ¥3,660 ¥4,850 Up to 5kg ¥4,250 ¥5,460 ¥7,250 Post card Uniform rate of ¥70 for anywhere in the world. Aerogramme Uniform rate of ¥90 for anywhere in the world.
(7) Telephone You can make telephone calls by direct dial to most places both domestically and internationally from your room or using public phones. A guide on how to call out is noted in your Dorm Guide upon arrival.
(8) Mobile Phone “Keitai Denwa” In Japan, both the handset and usage services are provided by a carrier. You sign up for a service plan when you purchase a handset. To purchase a Keitai Denwa and subscribe to preferred services, you are required to bring the following items/information and fees for your new contract (administrative processing fees + cost of handset) to a mobile phone company (SoftBank, Docomo, AU or WILLCOM) or electric retail store.
(9) Public Phones Public phones require coins or telephone cards and can be used for local, domestic, long
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distance and international telephone calls. At IUJ, the public phone is located on the 1st floor of MLIC building. If you need to send a fax, ask a staff member of the Office of General Affairs. The fee will be deducted from your bank account at a later date. To receive a fax, have it sent to the +81-25-779-1180 with your name clearly shown, and pick it up at the OSS.
(10) Instant Photo Booths If you need to take your face photos for your passport, visas, resumes, etc., instant photo booths are convenient and reasonable. The nearest photo booth from IUJ is located in JR Urasa Station (see the map of Urasa Station on page 17). At this booth, you can choose photo quality; “Standard” for 800 yen or “Premium” for 1,000 yen. With the Premium, blemishes are removed and you can choose the color of background from 9 options. This machine offers instructions in 5 languages; English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Portuguese. The photos print out within minutes for instant service.
Regardless of the quality, you can choose to receive a sheet of photos in the following sizes: (1) 40x30mm / 6 photos (for resume) 30x25mm / 3 photos (for driver’s license) (2) 45x35mm/ 4 photos (for passport and My Number card) (3) 45x35mm / 2 photos (for passport and My Number card) 40x30mm/ 2 photos (for Residence Card) (4) 70x50mm / 1 photo 55x45mm / 1 photo
(11) Electricity - Voltage The voltage in IUJ’s area is 100 V at 50 hertz. (To the east Japan, the voltage is 100 V at 50 hertz and to the west it is 100 V at 60 hertz.) Please compare these to your personal equipment before bringing them, or check that you have internationally acceptable electronic equipment. See page 4 on bringing electrical appliances.
(12) Public Transportation ・ Railways Japan Railway (JR) and other railway companies operate train services throughout the country. The train fare varies depending on the distance you travel, type of train: Limited Express, Express etc. and the type of reserved seat: Green Car (first class), Sleeper etc. Tickets for short distance are available from ticket machines and tickets for long distances and reservations are dealt with at ticket offices as well as from ticket machines. You must keep your ticket until your destination and hand it in at the ticket gate. Most trains stop operating around midnight.
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・ Student discount for travel (Gakuwari) “Gakuwari” Coupons for discounts on research travel (personal travel is not covered) can be obtained from the OSS and are available for regular students only (not available to exchange students or special students due to Ministry of Education regulations). The coupons give students a 20 percent discount on JR basic fare (local train) tickets for trips of more than 101 kilometers. An extra Express ticket is required for “Shinkansen” and is not covered in Gakuwari. Be aware that “Gakuwari” is neither saleable nor transferable to other students or family members, and doing so is illegal and carries heavy penalties. In one academic year, students can receive 10 discount coupons. However students may only apply for 4 coupons at one time. A coupon can be exchanged anytime within 3 months after issue. If round trips (e.g., to Tokyo) are made in less than 6 days and same route, only one coupon is necessary if you buy both legs of your trip at the same time. How to apply for Gakuwari (a) Fill in the application note at the OSS in person and at least 1 full working day prior to your travel plans. (b) Pick up the Gakuwari coupon the following working day in person. Note: When you travel with Gakuwari, you should always take your student ID card and Residence Card. Be sure not to falsify any items mentioned on the coupons, such as the date of issue and the term of validity, etc. Do not allow anyone to buy tickets on your Gakuwari, and do not use it to purchase tickets for others’ use. Doing so is a crime!
・ “Seishun 18” Pass The Seishun 18 allows unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains (excluding reserved seats) throughout Japan from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south. Although the Seishun 18 is not valid on Shinkansens and limited express trains, it is a great way to enjoy travel at a more leisurely pace. This ticket package includes five days worth of travel for only 2,410 yen per day. One person can enjoy the Seishun 18 for five days, or it can be split for use by up to five people. The unlimited rides also include use of the JR Miyajima Ferry for travel from the mainland to the island of Itsukushima, popularly known as Miyajima. The Seishun 18 is a great way to enjoy leisurely travel. https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/seishun18.html
・ Buses City buses and hospital/clinic buses are available to students and off campus families. The City bus leaves from Urasa Station and can support shopping trips in the neighboring city, Muikamachi, for AEON, Rara, and places near the station or on the route. Bus routes are listed on the OSS bulletin board. The hospital bus runs between the station and some local communities frequently and is convenient for family and student support for hospital visits. The Moegi Clinic bus transports patients from near the station to the clinic only.
・ Taxis If you do not know how to get to the place you wish to go, it may be more convenient for you to take a taxi. You will recognize a taxi by the lamp with the name of the taxi company on its roof. The fare differs between cities and the size of the cars. The minimum fare (compact car) in Minami Uonuma-city is approx. ¥690 up to 1.5
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kilometers and the fare increases at a fixed rate by mileage and time. An additional 20 percent is charged from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and in winter (from December to March). The average taxi fare from Urasa Station to IUJ is approximately ¥2,000. Using taxis is a good alternative to owning and maintaining a private car: cost effective and hassle free. * Yamato Taxi (0120-133-141) * Urasa Taxi (025-777-3456) * Sakura Taxi (025-777-5020)
(13) Buying Clothes in Japan Clothes in Japan for both men and women tend to be expensive, though there are some good bargains sold in local shops and the AEON chain. However, as the clothing market is aimed at the average-sized Japanese, it is difficult to find larger sizes. Recently larger sizes have become more available but styles are very limited. Women: If you are size 12 (U.S.) (i.e., 34" chest) or larger you will need to purchase clothing before coming to Japan. Casual clothes up to 3L (XXXL) are slowly becoming available. If your shoe size is 25 centimeters (U.S. size 8; Eng. size 6 and 1/2; size 38 continental) or larger you will find the selection very limited. Unisex footwear such as running shoes, ski boots and etc. are no problem, although they can be rather expensive. Men: Larger clothes for men are easier to find than for women. However, if you are over 6 feet (180cm) tall or heavy set you will have difficulty finding clothes large enough. The general attire at the school is very casual compared to work attire in Japan. However, at least one formal suit (including a necktie for men) is necessary: Students wear formal clothes on company visits, excursions, when they make presentations for classes, sit for oral exams, at special occasions such as graduation, and for job/internship interviews. We recommend bringing a variety of types of clothing to match the varying seasons. Your country’s traditional costumes are useful for International Festival (see events) and elementary schools visits. Due to the special way that roads are kept clear of snow by sprinkling them with underground water, we recommend bringing waterproof footwear for winter. Knee-high rubber boots (Nagagutsu) are available here for ¥2,000 - ¥4,000. And remember warm socks!
(14) Tipping Customs There is no custom of tipping in Japan so tipping cab drivers, hair dressers, and waiters/ waitresses is not necessary. An exception is at fancy Japanese spas (Ryokan).
(15) Drinking Water Almost all tap water in Japan is drinkable, including water in your dorm rooms and bathrooms. When water is not drinkable there is a sign on or near the faucet, but this is very rare. The water in Niigata is very good and does not require extra filtration of any kind.
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(16) Places of Worship Ryukoku-ji Temple, Osaki, Minami Uonuma-shi and Fukou-ji Temple, Urasa, Buddhism Minami Uonuma-shi Hakkaisan-jinja shrine, Osaki, Minami Uonuma-shi and Hakusan-jinja shrine, Shinto Niigata-shi The closest Catholic churches are in Tokamachi City (40 kilometers from IUJ) Catholic and Nagaoka City (50 kilometers from IUJ). Students organize small Sunday services on campus. Jewish The nearest Synagogue is in Tokyo. Mormon The nearest church is in Nagaoka-City (50 kilometers from IUJ). The nearest Mosque is in Niigata (Taro-dai 15-1, Niigata). Students organize Muslim prayer sessions on campus. Prayer space with washing facilities is provided on the third floor of the IUJ classroom building. Urasa Church and the Muikamachi Church in Minami Uonuma-shi both offer Protestant services differing in style, and sometimes in English. Students organize services on campus as well.
Note: Religious propaganda and religious suppression is not allowed on IUJ’s campus since many different nationalities and different religions are represented on campus. Freedom of religion is every student’s right as long as it does not offend their peers. There are 3 established clubs with religious affiliations: Muslim Student Association, Catholic Students Group, and Christian Fellowship Group.
Some religious groups have approached IUJ students/faculty to try to recruit them into their membership in the following manners: Knock on student dorms or apartments asking if they can share some Japanese culture with them; Invite them for cake at a nearby coffee-shop or a home connected to a cake shop for English-Japanese conversation exchange; or Approach students/faculty waiting for the IUJ bus to ask if they were interested in studying kanji with them, and invite them for cake:
If you are NOT interested, it is very important: 1) To tell them clearly you are NOT interested and to leave you alone. 2) To not fill out, or let them fill out any kind of form about you. Do not give them your personal information and do NOT sign anything. 3) Do not take their "gift" of prayer beads and a book of scripture to read. 4) Do not agree to go to their assembly hall. 5) To inform the OSS immediately if you are approached. 6) If you feel threatened, harassed or need any immediate support while with them, the police welcome your call at 110. They will come support you (this is likely not needed, but the police are aware of their unwanted advances!)
If off-campus religious organizations enter the dorms for propaganda purposes, inform the Dorm Director immediately.
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(17) Travel to Tokyo
Shinkansen: The fastest (and most expensive!) way to travel to Tokyo from Urasa is by the Shinkansen. The trip takes 90 to 120 minutes and costs ¥7,810 (non- reserved seat, one way). Local Train: If you make all the connections, the trip by local train takes approximately 4 to 5 hours and costs ¥3,250 with student discount (regularly ¥4,070). If you have more time than money, then sit back and enjoy the scenery. Highway Bus: This bus goes from Niigata City to Ikebukuro in Tokyo and back several times a day. The trip takes about 3 hours and costs ¥2,600, ¥3,100, ¥3,400, ¥3,600, or ¥4,100 from the bus stops at Muikamachi and Koide Interchanges, depending on the day of the week and the time of the day. However, this stop is difficult to reach without private transportation. Also you must reserve and pay for a seat in advance at a Seven-Eleven Convenience Store, using their bus reservation machine. Be prepared with two or three times you can leave as the bus is often full. No student discounts are available. For more, call Echigo-Kotsu Muikamachi (025)772-3155 (in Japanese). IUJ staff nor the IUJ shop can assist you with reservation. Please use the Seven-Eleven convenience store machines, but their staff are usually not prepared to translate for you. http://www.niigata-kotsu.co.jp/~noriai/highway-bus/inter-pref/
(18) Travel to Niigata-City Shinkansen: The trip takes 45 minutes and costs ¥5,150 one way. The special round ticket between Urasa and Niigata called W-kippu is ¥6,720. Local Train: The trip from Urasa Station to Niigata Station (transferring in Nagaoka) takes about 2 hours and costs ¥1,980. Local Train and Bus: Take the local train from Urasa Station to Nagaoka Station (about 40 minutes, ¥770). From Nagaoka Station to Niigata Station, catch the Echigo- kotsu Bus in front of Nagaoka Station (80 minutes, ¥1,000) with no reservation in advance.
(19) Japan Travel Guide As an online Japan Guide for travelers and students living in Japan, "Planetyze" offers all sorts of traveling information and suggests travel plans for first timers in various popular destinations throughout Japan: https://planetyze.com/en
(20) Off Campus Living Information IUJ students, in principle, are required to live on campus in the IUJ student dorm facilities. This is by far the best way to settle into your new routine and get everything you can from your IUJ experience. With IUJ’s residential policy you are to live in the dorms through graduation. However, those who must live off-campus to accommodate family members may request special permissions to do so. Before deciding to bring your family, please read
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earlier sections of this guide and the Family Guide at: https://www.iuj.ac.jp//oss-f/living/FamilyGuide.pdf.
To request permissions to move off campus, submit the required request form 4 full weeks before you plan to check out of the dorms. Less than 1 month prior submission results in an equivalent to 1-month rent penalty. This off-campus move is a permanent move: you will be off campus through graduation. IUJ highly recommends* waiting until Spring Term to bring family members to the area. IUJ can introduce you to an English-speaking Real Estate agent. Often transportation to and from campus is difficult for those not on the IUJ shuttle bus route, or late at night, making it necessary to own a car (which is expensive, and which some students may not be able to due to scholarship regulations). We recommend you make use of our convenient campus facilities. * Some scholarships and Japanese families are not included.
(21) Child Care Information IUJ services are provided to our registered students. Spouses and children of our students are welcomed to interact with campus for events, but the IUJ student is responsible for all family expenses, care, health issues, transportation, schooling, etc. Off campus families may not use IUJ shower facilities in the gym, kitchens, or washing machines in the dorms or use the study rooms. The IUJ bus is an “IUJ school” bus with a priority for registered students and faculty. IUJ can provide you with basic information for pregnancies, registering a baby, day care and kindergarten and school information. The student will need to take responsibility for their children’s situation, requiring Japanese language skills.
Day nurseries and kindergartens for infants and children are in group situation. See the following page to see if your child qualifies to attend. There is no nanny system or babysitter tradition in Japan.
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Nursery (age 0-6) / Kindergarten (age 3-6)
Please note that not all children are eligible to enter nursery schools/kindergartens. Nursery schools are a welfare services, so are only for those children who, due to long-term sickness or work or full-time education, cannot be taken care of by their parents. So most IUJ families do not qualify for this social support service. Furthermore, there are set quotas for the number of children at each age level that can be handled at those facilities so there may be capacity issues. Therefore it is difficult to have a child accepted at nursery schools or kindergartens in the middle of Japanese fiscal year (April to March). Please consult early with the city officials about capacity. Note: This is because the staffing numbers are set each April. Also, the nursery schools capacities are limited. Also Note: If your family leaves Japan or will no longer need the services, you must notify the school and city hall well in advance and ask for their support! If you would like to enter your child at a nursery school/kindergarten, please go to the Kosodate-Shien Ka of the Minami Uonuma city office and ask for their support.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 75
(22) Assistance Services
ON Campus
OSS – x103 PEC for harassment issues – please see PEC bulletin board IUJ Counselor – x506 (online appointment making possible) IUJ Health Consultation services – info on the OSS board (online appointment making possible)
OFF Campus
Tokyo English Life Line – counseling services outside IUJ * https://telljp.com * TEL 03-5774-0992, or you can chat online with them Niigata International Association (NIA) Phone Consultation Service * http://www.niigata-ia.or.jp/en/ * TEL 025-241-1881 * Skype nia21c * Fliers with detailed info available at the OSS Information on Japan’s legal system and related advice * HouTerrace Telehpone 0570-078377 * English available * https://www.houterasu.or.jp/multilingual/index.html Medical Consultation Services - AMDA International Medical Information Center * https://www.amdamedicalcenter.com/activities * TEL 03-6233-9266 * English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Portuguese, and Spanish (9:00-20:00 Mon to Sun) * Portuguese (9:00-17:00 Mon, Wed. and Fri.) * Filipino (13:00-17:00 Wed) Travel Help Lines Japan National Tourism http://www.japan.travel/en Organization TEL 03-6691-4850 (Daily 9am-5pm) JR East InfoLine https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html (JR Info and Travel) 050-2016-1603 Airport Flight Information https://www.narita-airport.jp/en/index.html (Narita) TEL 0476-34-8000 Airport Flight Information https://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/ (Haneda) TEL 03-6428-0888 (automated voice menu system. The number can be called any time 24 hours a day if you wish to contact the Haneda Airport International Terminal.)
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 76
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 77
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International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 78
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International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 79
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International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 80
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International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 81
Communicating in Japanese while traveling to IUJ: Point to Speak
When you need help, point at the appropriate box or phrase. If you prefer speaking it, the words below the Japanese writing are the Romanized equivalent.
Basic Greetings Hello Good morning Good afternoon Good evening こんにちは おはようございます こんにちは こんばんは Kon-nichiwa Ohayo Gozaimasu Kon-nichiwa Konbanwa
Good bye Thank you Excuse me さようなら ありがとうございます すみません Sayonara Arigato Gozaimasu Sumimasen
At Narita/Haneda International Airport Terminal ・ Where is the counter to have luggage delivered? 宅配カウンターはどこですか？ Takuhai kaunta wa doko desuka?
In front of Shipping or Delivery Counter ・ I would like to have this luggage delivered to this address (please show your address to the staff). How much does it cost to send this item? この荷物をここに送りたいのですが、料金はいくらですか？ Kono nimotsu wo kokoni okuritainodesuga, Ryokin wa ikura desuka?
・ How many days will it take? 何日かかりますか？ Nan-nichi kakari masuka?
・ There is no fragile item in it. 壊れ物は入っていません。 Kowaremono wa haitteimasen.
・ There is a fragile item in it. 壊れ物が入っています。 Kowaremono ga haitteimasu.
Money Exchange ・ Where can I exchange money? 両替をしたいのですが、どこでできますか？ Ryogae wo shitai no desuga, doko de dekimasuka?
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 82
・ Can I withdraw cash from my credit card? 私のクレジットカードで現金を引出せますか？ Watashi no kurejittokado de genkin wo hikidasemasuka?
・ What is the exchange-rate? 交換レートはいくらですか？ Koukan reito wa ikura desuka?
・ Is there a bank commission required for exchanging money? 手数料はかかりますか？ Tesuryou wa kakarimasuka?
・ How much is it? いくらですか？ Ikura desuka?
・ Please write the figure on the paper and show me. 数字を紙に書いてください。 Suji wo kamini kaite kudasai.
・ Well then, please change this to Yen! これを円に両替してください。 Kore wo en ni ryogae shitekudasai.
Toilets, bathrooms, restrooms, WCs Where is the men’s toilet? Where is the ladies toilet? 男性用トイレはどこですか？ 女性用トイレはどこですか？ Danseiyo toire wa dokodesuka? Joseiyo toire wa dokodesuka?
Characters on doors of toilets, lavatories, bathrooms, etc. indicating male and female facilities. 男 女 Men’s Women’s
Characters for Restroom, Toilet, WC, etc. お手洗 御手洗 洗面所 化粧室 トイレ Otearai Otearai Senmenjo Keshoushitsu Toire
Characters on Water Taps 水 お湯 Mizu (cold water) Oyu (hot water)
Characters on the toilets themselves 大 小 Dai (big flush) Shou (small flush)
* Japanese toilets can be highly automated with motions and light sensors.
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 83
Signs indicating places to eat Restaurant Cafeteria レストラン 食堂 Resutoran Shokudo
When Shopping ・ How much does this cost? これはいくらですか？ Kore wa ikura desuka?
・ Please write down how much this costs. この値段を書いてください。 Kono nedan wo kaite kudasai.
At the Immigration Gates Immigration Office Japanese Foreigner 入国管理局 日本人 外国人 Nyuukokukanrikyoku Nihon-jin Gaikoku-jin
At the Arrival Gates Bank Luggage home-delivery service 銀行 宅配 Ginkou Takuhai
When you look for the Railway Lines to go from Narita/Haneda Airport to Tokyo Station or Urasa Station, and then on to IUJ
Keisei Line JR Soubu Line・Narita Line・Narita Express 京成線 JR 総武本線・成田線・成田エクスプレス Keisei-sen JR Soubu-honsen, Narita-sen or JR Narita Express A Private Railway that runs between the Connects the airport with TOKYO Station airport and UENO Station
Keikyu Line Monorail JR Yamanote Line 京急線 モノレール JR 山手線 Keikyū-sen Monorēru JR Yamanote-sen
Private Railway that runs between the Goes from Shinagawa/Hamamatsucho Station airport and Shinagawa/Hamamatsucho to TOKYO Station Station
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 84
Characters for Tokyo Station, Ueno Station, Shinagawa Station and Hamamatsucho Station 東京駅 とうきょう 上野駅 うえの Tokyo-eki Tokyo Ueno-eki Ueno 品川駅 しながわ 浜松町駅 はままつちょう Shinagawa-eki Shinagawa Hamamatsucho-eki Hamamatsucho
Characters for the Joetsu Shinkansen (Bullet Train to Urasa) – also look for a green image of a Shinkansen which indicates it is the Joetsu Line (as opposed to BLUE for other lines) 上越新幹線 Characters for Urasa Station and indicating a Taxi Stand 浦佐駅 うらさ タクシーのりば Urasa-eki Urasa Takushi noriba
When you want to purchase train tickets ・ Where can I buy a ticket for Tokyo? (or Ueno, Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho or Urasa) 東京 Tokyo 上野 Ueno 品川 Shinagawa 行きの切符はどこで買えますか？ 浜松町 Hamamatsucho yuki no kippu wa doko de kaemasuka? 浦佐 Urasa
・ Can I have a ticket for Tokyo? (or Ueno, Shinagawa, Hamamatsucho or Urasa) 東京 Tokyo 上野 Ueno 品川 Shinagawa 行きの切符を下さい。 浜松町 Hamamatsucho yuki no kippu wo kudasai. 浦佐 Urasa ・ All together, how much do the tickets cost? 全部でいくらですか？ Zenbu de Ikura desu ka?
Other helpful signs/characters on the trains, and at stations Reserved Non-reserved Smoking Non-smoking 指定席 自由席 喫煙 禁煙 Shitei-seki Jiyu-seki Kitsuen Kin-en
号車 番 席 On your train tickets gosha ban seki Car # Row # Seat #
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 85
When you reach Urasa and are ready to come to IUJ: 国際大学 ・ Where is the IUJ school bus stop? 国際大学のスクールバス乗り場はどこですか？ Kokusai Daigaku no sukuru basu noriba wa doko desuka?
・ Which way is the East Exit? 東口はどちらですか？ Higashi-guchi wa dochira desuka?
・ Please take me to the IUJ Student Dormitory Number 1 (SD1). 国際大学第 1 学生寮までお願いします。 Kokusai Daigaku dai-ichi gakusei-ryou made onegaishimasu.
Help Improve this Guide for Next Year Please use the space below to write any suggestions for improving this guide or questions you still have after reading through it. Give it to a member of the OSS when you arrive on campus and we will do our best to incorporate the ideas for next year!
International University of Japan INFO PACK pg. 86