Ask a Question, Any Question
Hello,Welcome to the Fudocom 'Living in Japan' blog. This section is specifically to hear your comments and questions on anything Japan. Don't be shy! We'll be sure to answer as soon as possible. Click "Post a Comment" below to submit your question.
Sincerely,
Rei and Celina, Fudocom
posted by Fudocom - Celina @ 3:40 PM
13 Comments:
Dear Marianne and Tim. We received the below comment submission but it had some strange text encodings. We've cleaned it up a bit and added it below.
Sincerely,
Celina
Marianne and Tim, Tokyo has left a new comment on your post "Ask a Question, Any Question":
Hello! Nice site.
We've got a question about doctors in Japan. Er, moreso about Japanese people and doctors in Japan. Why is it that Japanese people go to the doctor so often? Even for small things like a cold. It doesn't seem sensible and would be a waste of the doctor's time where I come from. Not to mention, the abundance of over-the-counter drugs available even in Japan. Just a thought.
Marianne and Tim, Tokyo
Now to answer your question! That is a question that has troubled me in the past as well.
Apparently, buying over-the-counter drugs in Japan is quite expensive. And even though going to the doctor requires a wait and can sometimes mean time off work, with the help of National Health Insurance, the Japanese folk can get their problem professionally assessed, diagnosed and treated for a fraction of the cost. So that would mainly be the reason. Well that and habit.
Also, in places like America and Europe, over-the-counter drugs are a bit more abundant. For example, lactose intolerant medication is available over-the-counter in countries I've visited. In Japan, it's a bit more difficult of a process and includes getting a prescription from a doctor.
Thanks for your question!
Hi celina,
I'm curious about something. I wonder what your opinion is since you've probably lived here longer than me.
I work for a japanese company. Is it normal to have only 10 holidays a year? In my previous job (in England) I had 20.
It seems very restrictive...
Thanks,
Scott
Hi Scott!
I definitely understand where you're coming from on the holiday issue.
The short of it: yes, 10 days is the norm.
The long of it:
According to the Trade Union Law a certain number of paid holidays must be given to employees by companies in Japan. These "holidays" are devised of weekends, National holidays, company holidays and spring/summer/winter vacation. Yearly leave is also often given. But this is often viewed as a privilege. The amount of days can differ, however 10 days is the norm. But don't forget about all of the National holidays (quite a few more than other countries) and your 3 seperate week long holidays throughout the year. Not that that's much of an excuse. Traveling during those periods is excessive and down-right expensive.
Many Japanese do not take their alotted yearly vacation as so not to abandon their co-workers while they are off having fun. It's suggested you check with your co-workers as to the general use of holidays in your company. Though this sort of thing does not usually apply to smaller Japanese companies.
It can be restrictive, but good planning of when to use your vacation days can be beneficial. If your company allows it, try taking a week paid vacation before the winter vacation of the company. This gives you a 2 week (or so) holiday to travel and significantly lowers your plane fare for leaving before it gets too peak season. To book your flight, see our posting Where do you buy your flights? (from Japan).
Thanks for posting!
I have a quick question about immigration (I sense the eye roll). When I came to Narita airport last time, immigration forgot to stamp my single re-entry permit as "used". The guy assumed it was a multiple and gave me another disembarkation form for my next trip. Could I use the same permit again next time I travel or should I go to immigration and own up?
Welll........it is possible you could have no trouble using that very same permit again. However, if it were me, I wouldn't chance it. Immigration is a difficult enough procedure. Why make it more difficult? And leaving the country without re-entry permission cancels your current visa. You would need to decide if possible visa cancellation is worth a short trip to immigration and 3000 yen for a new permit (multiple re-entry permit is 6000 yen).
Thanks for your question, Kelly.
I have a question about the Japanese proficiency exam. I missed applying this year, but I wonder if I have to start from the bottom? Like, can I just go in and do the level 3? Or do I have to start from level 4?
Thank you. Daniel in Chiba
Hi Daniel! You can start at any level of the exam that you like. As long as you're prepared for it! There are tons of resources for the exams at regular bookstores.
Also, the JLPT exams sometimes accept late applications if there is space. You should still apply and see if they can fit you in. If not in Chiba, maybe somewhere in Tokyo is possible.
Thank's for your question!
Hi guys,
A quick thought for you to answer. Are there many filipinos in Japan? I am planning to work and maybe migrate there in the future. I am 26 and a computer engineer, I tried but Japanese Immigration laws seems to be too strict for a South Eastern ASIAN like me to be living there.
I live in the philippines and work as a web designer. do you think some nice japanese folk will help with a sponsorship program for me? is this possible?
Ryu 26 male
Sorry for the delay Ryu!
There are actually many many Filipinos in Japan. Unfortunately, many of them do not seem to be in the business world. Even teaching is often out of the question as many schools prefer British, Australian or North American English.
To get into an IT company for computer engineering in Japan, you must realize you will have a lot of competition. Typically Japanese immigration does not allow foreigners to enter into professions that will be taking jobs away from the Japanese folk. The more, the merrier I say. But unless your language skills will be an asset in the job, you may find difficulty. And you will often be required to speak fluent Japanese. And also will probably need to come to Japan to undergo the difficult interview process that all applicants are subject to.
Another way, of course, is to work for a company in your area that has either their head office or branch office in Japan. Perhaps you can apply for a transfer. You may require some Japanese to make your transition easier, but this visa is perhaps less difficult.
As a web designer, I think you will have a very difficult time. There are tons of these types of companies in Japan. However, the few that hire foreigners are looking for a completely bilingual individual and require strict interviews within Japan. Believe me, as a designer myself, I am very familiar with this process.
Best of luck, and let me know if you have any additional questions!
Hi there,
I'm visiting Japan for the first time for work next week. I have a morning meeting in Osaka on Monday and I will be arriving to Tokyo on Sunday evening. What is the best way to get to Osaka from Narita Airpot? and how long does it take to get to Osaka?
Do you recommend any must-see places in Osaka while I'm there?
Thanks so much!!
Cheers,
Moh
Hi moh!
Sorry for the delay. I had asked Rei to answer your Osaka questions as she is the expert having been born there. I didn't realize she was away this week! So sorry for that delay. I will answer your first question for now then leave it to Rei to answer your other questions about things to do in Osaka.
Going from Tokyo to Osaka can be quite trying, especially as you'll have to endure horrible lineups and waiting just to get past immigration and customs at Narita. The best suggestion is the obvious, take a flight!! Many airlines offer exclusive discounted air fare passes to foreigners. Check out this site for information.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html
The other option is to go to Tokyo station and board a shinkansen to Osaka. But this would end up costing you the same (maybe more) than taking a flight directly to Osaka. Also factor in that after you manage to fight your way out of the aiport, it will take approximately an hour to get to Tokyo Station, half an hour to an hour to fumble your way through the maze of the station (Tokyo station is huge!) then 3 and a half hours to get to Osaka from Tokyo. Personally, I would go for the flight. But whichever you choose, welcome! And I hope you enjoy your time here!!
Hello moh, thank you for being so incredibly patient. I was actually just in Osaka for a visit to my home city and a quick look at the IAAF Athletics Championships, which is like a mini-Olympics. Unfortunately, you'll be just missing it with your arrival!! But maybe that's not a bad thing. It was too busy for even me.
So! First of all, welcome to Japan. I see that Celina was able to guide you on getting to Osaka. Now that you're here, what to do? It really depends on what type of a tourist you are. I, for example, tend to stay away from museums and temples to look at maybe more contemporary spots. Of course there is Osaka Castle and a plethora of temples. But there are also places like Universal Studios and ooh, the Umeda Sky Building. If you wouldn't mind checking out this link, it will give you a list of good places to see in Osaka with users opinions.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298566-Activities-Osaka_Kinki.html
I find this helps me when I visit new places. If you'd like my personal opinion on a certain place, please feel free to ask!!
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