Lauren Suna

Japan disaster preparedness

Health and Safety, Living in Japan

Emergency Preparedness in Japan

According to the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the UN, Japan ranks in the highest category for disaster potential.

This is partially due to the wide-range of disasters that occur here: earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, flooding, landslides, heavy precipitation events, and extreme heat and cold. Due to this, Japan has very strong disaster response teams and preparedness.

Using the tips below and as well as information from your local municipality and the Japanese government, you too can be prepared for potential disasters.

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blue Honda minivan during daytime

Living in Japan, Working in Japan

Getting a Japanese Driver’s License-test

Please note that when driving in Japan, your contracting organization has the right to require or deny that you drive during work hours–including your commute.This is because your employer is legally responsible for you during commute and work hours if there is an accident. Without your contracting organization’s (not CLAIR or the JET Program) explicit permission, DO NOT drive to/from/during work.

If you know that you will need a driver’s license for work or are considering getting one for your personal use, here are the things you need to know.

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person drives bike with basket at the back with backpack

Living in Japan, Resource

Bike Registration and Insurance in Japan

Almost everyone in Japan has a bike and many people use their bikes daily. As soon as you get here, whether you buy a new bike or inherit one from your predecessor, there are two steps you will want to take ASAP. (1) Registering your bike with the police and (2) getting insurance for your bike.

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man in black jacket standing near green and white wall

Living in Japan

Japan IC Cards Guide

IC cards can help make life in Japan more convenient because they can be used to pay for a variety of goods and services, including but not limited to public transportation. Let’s learn more about what they are, how to get one, and how to use them.

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passport on top of a planner

Living in Japan, Working in Japan

Renewing Your Visa on JET

Most visa issued to incoming JETs are for a 3-year period. It is your responsibility to file for an extension before this expires if your contract extends past the visa expiry date. The process will require you to make two trips to your local or regional immigration office.

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Living in Japan

Japan Season Guide

The weather and temperature during each season varies widely throughout the country, and different regions of Japan can experience unique weather patterns. Throughout most of the year, it remains very humid. Even though the seasons bring something exciting, each season also delivers new challenges, especially in winter and summer.

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assorted color pen lot on white table

Temporary Test Category

Donating Blood in Japan

First off, thank you for your interest in blood donation (献血 ‘kenketsu’ in Japanese)! It is a simple thing that can make a huge difference to the lives of others. Whether you have donated in your home country, or are looking to donate for the first time, we hope the information here will help you out.

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for non-Japanese residents currently living in Japan to donate blood. There are some strict requirements that may not apply in your home country due to (somewhat outdated) safety concerns. However, as long as you don’t match up with anything under the Restricted and Prohibited Donors section (and you are not from the UK–see below), you should be good to go.

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Japan ATM

Living in Japan, Working in Japan

Using the ATM in Japan

Once you’ve got your cash card and bank book, you’ll be ready to hit the ATM. While many ATMs have English options available, not all will. Don’t worry. With a little bit of vocabulary and practice, you’ll have no trouble.

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National AJET

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