2006年1月アーカイブ

You might have a lot of questions about health insurance and health related matters.
What about when you have baby? What to do in an Emergency ?
This book will answer your questions.
日本の医療健康ハンドブック―Japan health handbook
メレデス・丸山, ルイーズ・清水, ナンシー・鶴巻

National Pension Plan and Employees' Pension Plan
Regardless of his nationality, anyboby who lives in Japan between 20 and 60 years of age is eligible to enroll in the Public Pension Plan, which is National Pension Plan or Employees' Pension Plan.
If you currently work for a Japanese company, your employer will file a pension application on your behalf. Please make sure to consult your employer for more information regarding this matter.

Nationa Pension Scheme
All residents in Japane between the ages of 20 and 60 including those who are not currentlly enrolled in Employees' Insurance Scheme must enroll in the National Pension Plan.

How to Join
Bring your foreign registration card to your local municipal office and apply.
If you are already enrolled in the Employees' Pension or Mutual - aid Pension plans, you do not need to apply.

Benefits
You are eligible for benefits under the National Pension Scheme when you become old, disabled, or other household members may be eligible if you die. Types of pensions include:
a. Old-age Pension (rorei kiso nenkin)
b. Disability Pension (shogai kiso nenkin)
c. Survivor’s Pension (izoku kiso nenkin)
d. Widow’s Pension (kafu nenkin)
e. Lump-sum Death Benefit (shibo ichiji-kin)
f. Old-age Welfare Pension (rorei fukushi nenkin) Eligibility conditions vary from pension to pension. You need to apply in order to receive any of these benefits.

Employees' Pension Scheme
All private companies, without exception, must take out this insurance. Insurance premiums are borne by employers and employees. The amount of the premium differs according to the employee's salary.

How to Join
Your employer is responsible for submitting your pension application and deducting pension installments from your monthly salary.

Benefits
Since Employees' Pension Plan includes National Pension Plan, you will be paid a designated amount from the National Pension Plan. In addition, you will also receive and allowance from your Employees' Pension Plan, calculated on the basis of installments paid while in the workforce.

Lump Sum Pension Refunds
Pension Refunds for Foreign Nationals
All foreign nationals who were enrolled in pension plans while in Japan are eligible to claim a partial lump sum pension refund upon leaving the country.

Eligibility
a. people who do not possess Japanese citizenship
b. people who have paid into pension and insurance plans for more than 6 months
c. people who do not have a permanent address in Japan
d. people who have not received any prior pension allowance including disability allowance

For inquiries, contact the social insurance office for your company.

Very Useful Commuting Card Starts Feb 1. 2006 !!


Tomorrow, Osaka PiTaPa starts. PiTaPa system has already started among Keihan line, Hankyu line, Hansin line and JR west line. And now Osaka subway joined this alliance.
HOWEVER, they don't explain how to apply in any foreign language. I try to explain little by little how convenient not to buy commuting path every few month nor not to buy tickets any more.

1. Cards type
Each railway company issues PiTaPa but here I'm talking about Osaka PiTaPa issued by Osaka Municipal Transportation Bureau.

a. Pitapa Basic Card
This card is without credit card. So if you don't need to have credit card, this is the right one for you.
The PiTaPa card is valid at every automatic ticket wicket with PiTaPa mark.
Purple application form .

All the application forms are written in Japanese.
Tel: 06-6445-3714
Business hour: 9:00 to 17:00
No closed day, you can call even on weekends.

b. Osaka PiTaPa with credit cards
You can have PiTaPa with credit card. You have choice among VISA, MasterCard and JCB card.
If you use credit card more than on time in a year, then you don't need to pay the renewal or annual fees.

note: If your family member wants to have PiTaPa, you can add him/her as your family member card.

Osaka PiTaPa with VISA/MasterCard
TEL: 0120-816-437
Closed day: 12/30 to 1/3
Business hour:
weekdays 9:00 to 19:00
weekends and holidays 9:00 to 17:00

Osaka PiTaPa with JCB card
TEL: 052-239-2290 / 03-5617-2290
Closed days: 12/30 to 1/3
Business hour: 9:00 to 17:30

You can also use PiTaPa card in many shops such as book shops, restaurants and so on. Also you can get discount.
Later, I will write the benefit of PiTaPa.

PiTaPa
Osaka PiTaPa
Hankyu line: Hana Plus PiTaPa
Keihan line: e-kenet PiTaPa
Nankai line: minapita
Kobe PiTaPa
Hanshin line: coconet PiTaPa

Osaka Genki Noh & Kyogen
Date 02/25/2006 Sat 2pm
Kyogen : "貰聟 : Muraimuko" performed by SHIGEYAMA Chuzaburo, ZENCHIKU Chuitiro and SHIGEYAMA Yoshinobu
Noh : "Kantan" performed by UENO Asayoshi

Date 02/25/2006 Sat 6pm
Kyogen : "素袍落 : Suouotoshi" performed by SHIGEYAMA Sensaku, SHIGEYAMA Sennojo
Noh : "船弁慶 : Funabenkei" performed by KANZE Kiyokazu

Date 02/26/2006 Sun 4pm
Kyogen : "痩松 : Yasematsu" performed by NOMURA Mansai, NOMURA Mannosuke
Noh : "俊寛 : Shunkan" performed by OHTUKI Bunzo

Place: NHK Osaka Hole
Address: 4-1-20 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka (大阪市中央区大手前４−１−２０)
TEl: 06-6947-5000

Ticket Price:
S seat 2,000 yen
A seat 1,000 yen
Student 500 yen

pre sale
Ticket pia
P code: 365-579
TEL: 0570-02-9966
lawson ticket
L code: 53142
TEL: 0570-084-005
or you can get tickets at most of convenience stores.

These plays are strongly recommended for beginners because of the price. Useally the tickets for Noh or Kyogen costs you more than 4000 yen.
It is strongly recommended to study a bit of story of the performance if possible.

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
This museum is not typical Japanese museum.
You would feel and see 100 years ago Japan.
There are some events every month.

Machiya Tour
For example, you can join free tour of the town with Japanese guide on weekdays and Saturdays starts at 11am and 2pm.
On Sundays and national holidays, there are special tours with Japanese guide wearing traditional resident costume.
The tour start at 2:10pm and lasts 45 minutes.
Pictures

Address: 8F Housing Information Center 6-4-20, Tenjimbashi, Kita-ku
Business hours: 10:00 - 17:00(last entry 16:30)
Closed: Tuedsday (Webnesday if Tuesday is a holiday), the next day of a holiday(Open if the day is Sun., Mon), the 3rd Monday(Wednesday if the day is a holiday), the end and the begining of the year, (not closed during GW)
Admission fee: 600 yen
Access: Subway/Hankyu Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Sta. JR Temma sta.
Tel: 06-6242-1170

There are many native English speakers working at English conversation schools in Japan.
Usually BA is required but any BA is acceptable.
Still it depends on each school and you need to take English test to be hired.
List of famous English conversation schools.

NOVA
More than 900 bruches all over Japan and more tha 480,000 students.
This company procides their own system called "Ginga net" which is using IP TV phone system.
They provide lessons in 7 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian and German.
URL: http://www.nova.ne.jp/global/index.html

ECC
They provide lessons in 7 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, Italian and German.
URL: http://www.japanbound.com/

AEON
They provide lessons in English only.
URL: http://www.aeonet.com/

GEOS
They provide lessons in 6 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish and Italian.
URL: http://www.geoscareer.com/

Gaba
They provide lessons in English only.
URL: http://www.gaba1to1english.com/

Berlitz
URL: http://recruit.berlitz.co.jp/

SHANE ENGLISH SCHOOL
URL: http://www.shane.co.jp/

Further resources:
You can join the english teachers community to do some more research.
Teach English in Japan provides useful infomation and you can join community.

Osaka Information Service for Foreign Residents(OIS)

1. Information Inquiry
Information is available in a wide range of areas including daily life, visa status,housing,labor problems,medical services　and welfare programs.

2. Languages Spoken
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Thai, Philipino

3. Coordinating Office
International Affairs Division

4. Location

General Counseling Center:
1F Osaka Prefectural Government Main Building,Otemae 2-chome,
Chuo-ku, Osaka City

Direct Line:
TEL: 06-6941-2297
FAX: 06-6944-4073

For Inquiries:
Office Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-17:30

National Health Insurance and Social Health Insurance
If you stay in Japan more than a year, then you are required to purchase either National Health Insurance (国民健康保険：こくみんけんこうほけん) or Social Health Insurance (社会保険：しゃかいほけん).
SHI, Social Health Insurance, is for company employees and NHI, National Health Insurance, is for anyone who is not covered by Social Health Insurance.

National Health Insurance
You need to go to your local municipal office with your alien registration card and register at the Kokumin Kenko Hoken section of city office or ward office.

1. percentage of your medical expense

aged 70 years and older 10％ or 20％
aged 3 to 69 30％
aged 0 to 2 20％

2. You will be issued an insurance card or certificate (健康保険証：けんこうほけんしょう) and you need to present this card when you go to see a doctor.

3. As National Health Insurance premiums are based on your previous year's income, the first year of coverage is relatively cheap (you pay the minimum required premium).

Social Health Insurance
if you work more than 3/4 of employee's working time, that is usually more than 30 hours, you can apply to SHI through your company. Premiums will be deducted from your salary.
1. 2. are same as NHI

3. Premiums are determined in relation to the insured person's salary and are paid fifty percent each by the owner of the business and the insured person.

Premiums = your monthly salary * 82 / 1000

Total company employee
82/1000 41/1000 41/1000

Further info:
Osala Pref Medical Information for Foreigners

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

This is one of the series to introduce Japanese culture in English.
All the explanations are written in both English and Japanese.
For the people who wants to study Japanese culture and Japanese language, this is the ideal book.

英語で話す「日本の文化」
NHK国際局文化プロジェクト, 講談社, Don Kenny, ダン ケニー

Hanami (花見, lit. "flower viewing") is the Japanese traditional custom of enjoying the beauty of flowers, "flower" in this case almost always meaning cherry blossoms (Jp. sakura), or also ume blossoms (sometimes called "apricot" or "plum").

Walkerplus provides info in Japanese only but still you can enjoy pictures.

For the people who are looking for universities or colleges to study Japanese, visit these web sites before to decide.
If you study in Kyoto, it is very easy to access to shrines and temples and feel traditional culture.

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies the Course in Japanese Studies for Overseas Student
URL: http://www.kufs.ac.jp/kufs_new/english/english_fr.html
Access:
10 minutes walk to the west from Hankyu Railway Saiin Station or take the city bus routes 3,28,29,67,69,71 from “Nishioji Shijo (Saiin)” and get off at “Kyoto Gaidai” (approx. 5 min.).

From JR Kyoto Station, take city bus Number 28 from the Karasuma Terminal or routes 71 or 84 from Hachijo terminal and get off at “Kyoto Gaidai” (all routes takes approx. 30 min.).

From Karasuma on the subway line, get off at “Shijo” Station and take routes 3 or 29 bus from “Shijo Karasuma” and get off at “Kyoto Gaidai” (approx. 15 min.).

E-mail: koho@kufs.ac.jp, bekka@kufs.ac.jp

Doshisha University Center for Japanese Language
Today Doshisha University has exchange agreements with 60 universities in 22 countries throughout the world and regularly exchanges a host of students through its exchange programs.
In 2005 190 students from overseas studies in Doshisya University.
URL: http://www1.doshisha.ac.jp/~bekka/en/index.html

Office of the Center for Japanese Language
5th floor, Kofukan, Imadegawa Campus
Doshisha University
Karasuma-Higashi-iru, Imadegawa-dori
Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8580, Japan
TEL: +81-75-251-3257
FAX: +81-75-251-3123
E-mail: ji-bekka@mail.doshisha.ac.jp
Office Hours：9:00-11:30, 12:30-17:00 (Monday through Friday)
*The office is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, National Holidays, and holidays designated by the university.

Ryukoku University Japanese Culture and Language Program
URL: http://intl.ryukoku.ac.jp/english/index.html
Maximum Enrollment: 40 Students
Admission Per Semester: approximately 20 Students
Address: Ryukoku University 67 Tsukamoto-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-8577 Japan
Tel 075-642-1111
Fax 075-642-8867
E-mail: ric@rnoc.fks.ryukoku.ac.jp

For the people who are looking for universities or colleages to study Japanese and other majors, visit these links before to decide.
If you study in Osaka, you can enjoy city life rather than old traditional atmosphere.

Osaka University
JRL: http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/index.html

Kansai Gaidai University Asian Studies Program
http://www.kansaigaidai.ac.jp/asp/01_the_university/03.html

Kinki University Japanese Language Course
http://ccpc01.cc.kindai.ac.jp/english/index.htm

Osaka International University School of Japanese Studies for Foreign Students
URL: http://www.oiu.ac.jp/gakubu/bekka/index.htm

Osaka University of Foreign Studies
URL: http://www.osaka-gaidai.ac.jp/e-index.html

Osaka City University
URL: http://www.osaka-cu.ac.jp/index-e.html

Osaka Kyoiku University
URL: http://www.osaka-kyoiku.ac.jp/index_e.html

Osaka College of Music
URL:http://www.daion.ac.jp/

International Buddhist University
URL:http://www.shitennoji.ac.jp/ibu/english/index.html

Osaka Prefecture University
URL:http://www.osakafu-u.ac.jp/english/index.html

Osaka University of Pharmaceutial Sciences
URL: http://www.oups.ac.jp/eng/index.html

You can practice your Hiragana reading skills on Hiragana Times If you have problems reading Japanese characters, visit Hiragana Times -English version-

It is one of the ways to learn Japanese with iPod by useing podcasting.
Japanesepod101.com is one of the popular program to learn Japanese. Since podcasting is free to get, inexpensive source of Japanese is a good thing for Japanese learners.
Get iPod and learn Japanese with podcasting programs.


Apple iPod nano 4GB ホワイト [MA005J/A]

If you have never visited traditional old house called "Machiya" yet or never heard of the word "Machiya", you can get some knowledge and feel like visiting Japan more than 100 years ago.
京の町家めぐり
蔵田 敏明, 柴田 佳彦

Now traditional houses are disappearing all over Japan.However, the hype is to visit or live in traditional houses in big cities including Kyoto city.This book gives advices and how to live in old houses.
京の町家に暮らす
別冊太陽編集部

It is sometimes difficult to get local info and overview of Japan.
Japan National Tourist Organization provides over view of Japan including beautiful pictures of catsles and scenery and statistics.
Definitely one of the biggest web site which provides tourist info.

If you live in Osaka or planning to move in Osaka, you can have a look at Osaka Visitor's Guide

See also
Kyoto Prefecture Tourism Federation
Hyogo International Tourism Guide
Nara Prefecture Turism Info "Yamatoji Archives"
Shiga Prefecture Turism Info
Wakayama Prefecture Turism Info

Tea ceremony has a long history which goes back to 16th century.
There are 3 main Senke(schools) in tea ceremony.

1. Omote senke
There are many explainations and history of tea ceremony so that you can learn many things learn from it.

2. Urasenke

3. Mushanokouji Senke Kankyuan

You can get green tea at many places including glossary stores. But for the especial teas, it is strongly recommended to go to specialized tea leaf shop.
Ippodo
Fukujuen
Marukyu-koyamaen

If you are new here and having many questions on many different things, International House Foundation might help you to answer your questions.
Also through these organizations and their activities, you might be able to find Japanese friends and foreign friends.

KYOTO
Kyoto international center
9F KYOTO STA, BLDG, 657 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo-ku,
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8216 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 075-342-5000(075-342-5050)
E-mail kyotopic@mail.joho-kyoto.or.jp

Kyoto international exchange association
2-1 Awataguchitorii-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi,
Kyoto 606-8436 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 075-752-3010(075-752-3510)
E-mail office@kcif.or.jp

OSAKA
Osaka international exchange foundation
17F Rinku gate tower BLDG. 1 Rinkuouraikita,
Izumisano-shi, Osaka, 598-0048 JAPAN　
TEL(FAX) 0724-60-2371(0724-60-2377)
E-mail info@ofix.or.jp

Osaka international exchange center
8-2-6 Uehon-machi, Tennoji, Osaka-shi, Osaka 543-0001 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 06-6772-5931(06-6772-7600)
E-mail center@ih-osaka.or.jp

HYOGO
Hyogo international exchange associagion
1-5-1 Wakinohamakaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi,
Hyogo, 651-0073 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 078-230-3060(078-230-3080)
E-mail hia@net.hyogo-ip.or.jp

Kobe International Center for Cooperation and Communication
20F International hall, Gokou-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe-shi,
Hyogo 651-0087 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 078-291-0641(078-291-0691)
E-mail kic00@exd.city.kobe.jp

MIE
Mie international exchange foundation
5F The Mie Prefecture government office building,
3-446-34 Sakurabashi, Tsu-shi, mie 514-0003 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 059-223-5006(059-223-5007)
E-mail mief@quartz.ocn.ne.jp

SHIGA
Shiga international association
2F PIAZA OUMI, 1-1-20 Nionohama, Otsu-shi,
Shiga 520-0801 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 077-526-0931(077-510-0601)
E-mail siamail@mx.biwa.ne.jp

NARA
Nara/silk road exposition commemoration international exchange foundation
6F NaraKintetsu sta. BLDG. 28 Higashimukinaka-machi,
Nara-shi, Nara 630-8215 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 0742-27-1822(0742-27-2434)
E-mail nifs@mahoroba.ne.jp

WAKAYAMA
Wakayama international exchange association
8F Wakayama BIG I. 2-1-2 Tehira, Wakayama-shi
Wakayama 640-8319 JAPAN
TEL(FAX) 0734-35-5240(0734-35-5243)

This is a second edition of "Eijiro" series.
Now they have more than 1,300,000 words!!
If you find difficult Kanji on the web, you can search the words in this dictionary.

英辞郎 第二版
EDP

People volunteered their time on making this dictionary.
More than one million words are in it.
You will find the word you've been looking for long time!

100万語収録のスーパー英和・和英辞典「英辞郎」
EDP

After a bit of study of Noh and Kyogen performance, you can enjoy watching and feeling the art at the following theators in Kansai district.

Osaka
Otsuki Nogaku-do
大阪市中央区上町A-7
TEL:06-6761-8055
Uemachi A-7, Chuo-ku, Osaka
URL:http://www.noh-kyogen.com/

Osaka Nogaku Kaikan
大阪市北区中崎西2-3-17
TEL:06-6373-1726
Nakazakinishi 2-3-17, Kita-ku, Osaka
URL:http://www.pp.iij4u.or.jp/~rohnishi/

Yamamoto Nogaku-do
大阪市中央区徳井町1-3-6
TEL:06-6943-9454
Tokui-cho 1-3-6, Chuo-ku, Osaka
URL:http://www.h6.dion.ne.jp/~asano/

Kori Nogaku-do
大阪府寝屋川市香里本通町1-5
TEL:0720-31-7145
Kori Hondori-cho 1-5, Neyagawa City, Osaka

Kyoto
Kyoto Kanze Kaikan
京都市左京区岡崎円勝寺町44
TEL:075-771-6114
Okazaki Enshoji-cho 44, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
URL:http://www.yoshikawa-honpo.com/local/kyoto/classic/kkk/

Kongou Nogaku-do
京都市上京区烏丸通一条下ル
TEL:075-441-7222
Ichijo Kudaru, Karasuma dori, Kamugyo-ku, Kyoto City
URL:http://www.kongou-net.com/

Ooe Nogaku-do
京都市中京区押小路通柳馬場東入
TEL:075-231-7625
Yanagibaba Higashi hairu, Oshinokoji dori,
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City
URL:http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~tn4m-ooe/

Kawamura Nomai Butai
京都市上京区烏丸通上立売上ル柳図子町320-14
TEL:075-451-4513
Yanagizushi-cho 320-14, Kamidachiuruagaru,
Karasuma, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City
URL:http://www.kid97.co.jp/kawamura/

Yasaka Shrine Noh Butai
京都市東山区祇園町北側625
TEL:075-561-6155
Gion-cho North side 625, Higashi-ku, Kyoto City

Kobe(Hyogo pref)
Minatogawa Shrine Shinnoden
神戸市中央区多聞通3-1-1
TEL:078-371-1358
Tabun-dori 3-1-1, Chuo-ku, Kobe City
URL:http://www.minatogawajinja.or.jp/nou.html

Ueda Nogaku-do
神戸市長田区大塚町2-1-14
Tel: 078-691-5449
Otsuka-cho 2-1-14, Nagata-ku, Kobe City
URL:http://www.tcct.zaq.ne.jp/feelnoh-kikaku/

Before to travel around Japan, it is a good idea to get some information on the place you visit. This book is one of the most famous guide books which gives you enough details of local info.


Lonely Planet Japan (Lonely Planet Japan)
Chris Rowthorn, Ray Bartlett, Justin Ellis

The Noh is sometimes considered a set with Kyogen.
Performers of Noh usually wear a mask and story of Noh is sorrowful compared with Kyogen. On the other hand, Kyogen is considered as a comedy of manners.
The origin of both performances goes back to 15th century.
You can learn details in books and on the following sites.

Noh Kyogen

Kanze
Kitaryu Oshima Family

If you are looking for information on your local government, you might first check city government info.

Osaka Pref
Osaka City
Daitou City
Fujiidera City
Habikino City
Hannan City
Higashiosaka City
Hirakata City
Ibaragi City
Ikeda City
Izumi City
Izumiotsu City
Izumisano City
Kadoma City
Kaizuka City
Kashiwara City
Katano City
Kawachinagano City
Kishiwada City
Matsubara City
Minoh City
Moriguchi City
Neyagawa City
Osakasayama City
Sakai City
Sennan City
Settsu City
Shijonawate City
Suita City
Takaishi City
Takatuki City
Tondabayashi City
Toyonaka City
Yawata City

There are some big book stores in Osaka.
Try one of the following list.

Junku-do
Umeda
大阪市北区堂島1-6-20　堂島アバンザ1.2.3.F
Dojima Avanza Bld. 1F, 2F, 3F
Dojima 1-6-20, Kita-ku, Osaka
TEL 06-6343-8444

Namba
大阪市中央区難波千日前12-7
Y.E.S. Namba Bld. 1F, 2F, 3F
Namba Sennichimae 12-7, Osaka
TEL 06-6635-5330

Kinokuniya
Umeda
大阪府大阪市北区芝田1-1-3
Hankyu Sanbangai, Shibata 1-1-3, Kita-ku, Osaka
TEL 06-6372-5821

You can use Japanese part to search on Google map or other service to see actual map.

This is one of the series books to teach Japanese.
You can learn how to teach Japanese step by step.
This is vol 2.

みんなの日本語初級〈2〉教え方の手引き
スリーエーネットワーク

This is one of the series books to teach Japanese.
You can learn how to teach Japanese step by step.
This is vol 1.

みんなの日本語初級1 教え方の手引き
スリーエーネットワーク

This is one of the series books to learn Japanese.
For the Japanese beginners, this book is strongly recommended.
If you are Japanese teacher, this could be the first book to use as a textbook in your private lessons or classes.
This is vol 2.

みんなの日本語―初級2本冊
スリーエーネットワーク

This is one of the series book to learn Japanese.
For the Japanese beginners, this book is strongly recommended.
If you are Japanese teacher, this could be the first book to use as a textbook in your private lessons or classes.
This is vol 1.

みんなの日本語―初級1本冊
スリーエーネットワーク

This book is written in Japanese, but still you can enjoy the beauty of costumes of traditional Noh performance.
For the people who can read Japanese, this would be the best book for introduction to Noh performance.

一歩進めて能鑑賞 演目別にみる能装束
観世 喜正, 正田 夏子, 青木 信二

This book is written from an american point of view. He writes a lot of useful words list and could be used small and practical dictionary.

A Practical Guide to Living in Japan: Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Settle in
Jarrell D. Sieff

When you start to live in Japan, you will have many questions and problems. This book will answer most of your questions and give you solutions.
Since this book is written in English and Japanese, it is an ideal book for japanese and english speaking couples.

日英対訳 日本で暮らす外国人のための生活マニュアル―役立つ情報とトラブル解決法〈2005/2006年版〉
移住労働者と連帯する全国ネットワーク, 移住連全国ネット=

When you need to change or update your VISA,
visit immigration offices on this list.

Osaka Immigration Office
Tanimachi 2-1-17, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0012
Tel: (06) 6941 0771

There is a regional sub-office in Osaka International Airport (Kansai Airport). There are eight regional sub-offices in for Osaka in Kyoto, Maizuru (0773 75 1149), Nara (0724 23 6501) , Osaka Port (06 571 0773), Otsu, Sakai Port (072 244 1441), Tennoji-ku (06 6774 3409) and Wakayama (0734 22 8778).

Kyoto Immigration Sub-office
Kyoto Daini Chiho Godo Chosa Bldg 4F, 34-12 Higashi Marutamachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8395
Tel: (075) 752 5997
Regional office under Osaka Immigration Office.

Kobe Immigration Sub-office
Kaigan dori 29, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0024
Tel: (078) 391 6377
Regional office under Osaka Immigration Office.

Not so new but definetly usefull for those looking for acurate legal infos. The Japan Information Network. No light reading.

Here is a government page providing a file to download in which you will find important procedures and obligations of employment contracts. A must-read for all those who want to be a fully recognized worker in Japan. Here is the file in english but some might want to check out the other languages available.

When you start living in Japan, you might be concerned about how to get Internet access in Japan.
Here is a list of famous broadband services.
FTTP & ADSL
Yahoo BB
Asahi net
NTT WEST
So-net
EO optical fiber IP network

JENS SpinNet
JENS SpinNet provide full scustomer support in English
URL: http://regist.spinnet.jp/cgi-bin/ad2/ad.cgi?base=odn_e&lang=en&pn=1
JENS SpinNet Customer Support Center
Working Hours : 10:00-19:00 Monday to Friday 11:00-18:00
Weekends and Holidays
(Closed for year-end and New Year holidays)
Telephone : Tokyo 03-6888-2500 Osaka 06-6486-5411
E-Mail : support@spinnet.jp

Kansai Time Out is one of the most famous magazine for foreigners in Kansai.
Kansai Window provides very useful info including traditional culture.

You can read articles on web and also purchase it at big book stores, like Kinokuniya in Umeda.
You can also can get english newspaper at big book shops and Kiosks(small stand) nearby or in train and subway stations.
If you prefer to read online, you can read latest news here.
Asahi
Daily Yomiuri Online
Nikkei

If you have any problem finding a japanese language school, visit Japanese Language School Database and find your match !

You can buy Kabuki Theator tickets on line at kabuki-za

This site doesn't provide info in English yet.
If you would like to read in English, then visit schochiku web site

The language barrier might be a problem to study the Tea ceremony for people who don't speak Japanese.
This site might help you to learn what Tea ceremony is.
Visit Web Sado and experience it!

We are going to pick up info related to Japanese Culture.
Kansai is a district in Japan and includes Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hyogo, Wakayama and Shiga prefecture.
Yes, these cities are famous for it's traditional Japanese culture and modern culture.
It is our pleasure to introduce our culture to the rest of the world.
Yet, Japanese are not good at appeal to people even it is unique and different. This might cause misunderstanding or giving bad impression of Japan.
Here, we are trying to introduce some unique culture little by litte.
We are very happy if you find something new of Japan through this web site.