IwateJET.com

The following infornmation was compiled by a JET participant regarding healthcare in Japan. Please also refer to the Women's Health Handbook for more information. (The info is the handbook may be useful for men too.)
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Japan is a foreign country. Many things will be a shock for your body and your mind. You should be prepared for all manner of differences, because nothing is exactly the same as you’re used to.

1. Physical illnesses: colds, flues and sick leave.
Going to the doctor (isha):
Doctors in Japan are largely of 2 types: large hospitals (byouin, 病院) with full facilities for hospitalization and examinations; and smaller, local clinics (iin or shinryojo) for ordinary consultation and care.
- Make sure you bring your Alien Registration Card (the one with your nice photograph on it) and your National Insurance Card (the pink one).
- Go to the front desk. Tell the receptionist that this is your first visit (“Shoshin desu”). You will be asked to fill out a registration form for that surgery (usually your name, age, address and telephone number etc.) They will issue you with a patient’s card for that hospital/ surgery.
- Show them your National Insurance Card (they will keep both cards until you pay)
- Wait in line. You usually don’t make appointments in Japanese hospitals/ clinics.
- You will be called in and the doc. will take a look. Sometimes you might be going in and out so be prepared for a long wait.
- Once you are finished you pick up your insurance card and patient card from the front desk and pay the fee.
- If you need to, go to the adjoining pharmacy to pick up your medicine.

MOST JAPANESE DOCTORS DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH.
If your doctor doesn’t speak English it’s useful to bring along a Japanese friend, your host mother, your supervisor or an ALT/PA with good Japanese to help you translate. If you can’t do that:
- Phone a friend! If you can’t bring them, get them on the end of the phone.
- Don’t panic! For simple things such as colds you can probably hash out a simple conversation (in broken English/Japanese) with your doctor and this will probably be enough.

What to expect inside:
Japanese doctors are very thorough, and will not give you a half assed run over. This is a GOOD thing. They may sometimes do things that seem drastic however, such as taking blood, or putting you on a drip when all you really need is rest.

Medicine:
Japanese doctors will give you a lot of medicine. In Japan you could end up with a handful of different pills. It’s usually weaker than western medicine, so don’t worry if you think your going to overdose….

Confidentiality:
If you don’t want your school to know the ins and outs of your more personal illnesses then it might be a good idea to stress this to the doctor (shuhigimu = the duty of confidentiality). If you want him to keep it from your supervisor tell him “gakko ni wa hanasanai de kudasai” (please don’t tell my school).

Sick Days (byokikyuka or byokyu):
Make sure you clarify with your supervisor what the procedure is before you get ill as to avoid any misunderstandings.
As a JET you are entitled to sick days BY LAW!!!. You have up to 20 consecutive days of if you need them. Don’t take nenji if you don’t want to.

- Call your supervisor and tell him you are ill.
- Go to the doctor.
- You need a receipt from the doctor which is good for up to three days of sick leave. For more than that, you will need a doctor’s certificate (shidansho) which lasts up to 20 days. Give this to your school.
- After 20 consecutive days it will work case by case. If you are unlucky enough to get that ill, keep in contact with your supervisor, PAs and your GIH.

Sexual Health.
Like anywhere you should be careful!
- Condoms: Are smaller in Japan. You can get western sizes from import stores like the American Pharmacy, Condomania or the Foreign Buyers Club. Note: The pill remains uncommon in Japan.
- STD tests: Available at regular clinics or hospitals as well as speciality STD clinics (seibyo-ka　性病科)
- AIDS tests: Usually available at your local public health clinic. Cost varies but can be around \2000.
- Womans health: Check out the Iwate Womans Handbook 2007. It’s full of information that I as a guy wouldn’t have the faintest idea about….

2. Mental Health. (kokoro no kenkou)
The other thing that can happen in Japan is going crazy. It’s surprisingly easy to get the urge to do something stupid…
The signs:
Culture shock. Did you read the JET Bible (GIH) before you came? If you did, you would have noticed the entire chapter devoted to culture shock. It does happen, even if you think it doesn’t. Some JETs have difficult working situations or have trouble fitting into the community. This can lead to depression, frustration, stress and loneliness. We want you to have a GREAT time, so here is some advice to keep happy in Iwate.

- Keeping busy: Boredom is the root of all psychological evil. If you come home from work and have nothing to do then you can really get depressed after a while. Meeting friends, joining a hobby group or club are all good things to do to keep socially active.
- Exercise: Japanese people love sport, so it’s easy to fins something to do. Keeping a healthy body is key to keeping a healthy mind.
-- Winter sports: ski, snowboard, ice skate. In winter depression hits harder. Getting out and boarding can be a great way to use that snow (and exercise at the same time!)
- Food: Eating healthy food is important, as is trying to cook for your self. What you put in your body fuels you. You put the right stuff in, you get the right stuff out! Fruit is expensive but don’t live like a student - you get paid too well for that. Eat fruit and veg!
-- If you feel down, comfort eating can become a habit and make things worse.
-- P.S: I swear by Tofu. Tofu is healthy and CHEAP! J
- Having a VENT is good. Sometimes venting to other ALTs will really help if something is bothering you.
- Remember why you came to Japan: Set yourself some goals for the year. If you keep your mind on what you are gaining, or trying to gain, it helps.
- Make your house a place where you feel comfortable. Don’t just leave it as a pile of cast offs from your predecessor! If you draw pictures, stick them on the wall. Put your photos all over the place. Hang a flag, if you really feel like decorating, DO　IT! In summer a de-humidifier will help, and in winy\ter you will need a humidifier to prevent sore throats and dry skin. Make sure you feel comfortable and content when you are in your home. I can’t stress that enough.

And remember, if you want, it’s only for a year!

Where to go for help:
- Friends: Always the best place for a chat. No more explanation needed.
- Iwate PAs: These guys are here to help you, and are damn good at their job. If you have an issue at work or home, let them know and they will bend over backwards to help you out.
- Morioka International Plaza.
- http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengo/: lots of information about healthcare in Iwate ie. Doctors procedures etc.
- AJET peer support group. Volunteer JETs from all over Japan will take your calls. They are JETs, and they have been through the same stuff as you! (0120-437 725)
- Clair JET line: Open Monday to Friday 9-17:45, information and advice on tap!
- Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) Provides contact information and other resources and has counselors available. Daily 9-16:00 19-23:00 (03) 5774-0992
- AMDA provides medical services information to foreigners. Monday to Friday, 9-17:00.
- Morioka Hokenjo (public health clinic) providing HIV testing in English. Open every Wednesday. No appointment needed.
Everyone has been in the same boat to some degree or another. Don’t think you’re the only one feeling it!