Preface Last Updated: 7/13/2004
2:42 AM
For a country that lived in self-imposed isolation until 150
years ago, Japan has not hesitated to make up for lost time.
It is a place of ancient gods and customs but is also the cutting
edge of cool modernity. High-speed trains whisk you from one end of
the country to another with frightening punctuality. You can catch
sight of a farmer tending his paddy field, then turn the corner and
find yourself next to a neon-festooned electronic games parlor in
the suburb of a sprawling metropolis.
Few other countries have, in the space of mere generations,
experienced so much or made such an impact. Industrialized at
lightning speed, Japan shed its feudal trappings to become the most
powerful country in Asia in a matter of decades. After defeat in
World War II, it transformed itself to a wonder economy, the envy of
the globe.
In the cities you will first be struck by the mass of people. In
this mountainous country, the vast majority of the 126 million
population live on the crowded coastal plains of the main island of
Honshu. The three other main islands, running north to south, are
Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and all are linked to Honshu by
bridges and tunnels that are part of one of Japan’s modern wonders
-- its efficient transport network of trains and highways.
Outside the cities, there is a vast range of options from the
wide open spaces and deep volcanic lakes of Hokkaido, blanketed by
snow every winter, to the balmy subtropical islands of Okinawa. You
will seldom have to travel far to catch sight of a lofty castle,
ancient temple or shrine or locals celebrating at a colorful street
festival. The Japanese are inveterate travelers within their own
country and there is hardly a town or village, no matter how small
or plain, that does not boast some unique attraction.
Rampant development and sometimes appalling pollution is
difficult to square with a country also renowned for cleanliness and
appreciation of nature. Part of the problem is that natural
cataclysms, such as earthquakes and typhoons, regularly hit Japan,
so few people expect things to last for long.
And yet, time and again, Japan redeems itself with unexpectedly
beautiful landscapes, charmingly courteous people, and its tangible
sense of history and cherished traditions. Most intriguing of all is
the opaqueness at the heart of this mysterious hidden culture that
stems from a blurring of traditional boundaries between East and
West. Japan is neither wholly one nor the other.
This is the official post report prepared by the post. The
information contained herein is directed to official U.S. Government
employees and their families. Any other information concerning the
facts set forth herein is to be regarded as unofficial information.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLICATION 10658 Bureau of Administration
Office of Multi-Media Services
Released July 2001
The Host Country
Area, Geography, and Climate Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:43 AM
Japan, a country of islands, extends along the eastern or Pacific
coast of Asia. The main islands, running from north to south, are
Hokkaido, Honshu or the mainland Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa, which
is about 380 miles southwest of Kyushu. About 3,000 smaller islands
are included in the archipelago. In total land area, Japan is
slightly smaller than California.
About 71% of the country is mountainous, with a chain running
through each of the main islands. Japan’s highest mountain is world
famous Mt. Fuji (12,385 feet). Since so little flat area exists,
many hills and mountainsides are cultivated all the way to the top.
Situated as it is in a volcanic zone along the Pacific deeps,
frequent low intensity earth tremors and occasional volcanic
activity are felt throughout the islands. Hot springs are numerous;
some have been developed as resorts.
Temperature extremes are fewer than in the U.S. since no part of
the interior is more than 100 miles from the coast. At the same
time, because the islands run almost directly north-south, the
climate varies. Sapporo, on the northern island, has warm summers
and long, cold winters with heavy snowfall. Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto,
Osaka, and Kobe, on the southern part of the largest island of
Honshu, experience relatively mild winters with little or no
snowfall and hot, humid summers. Fukuoka, on the island of Kyushu,
has a climate similar to that of Washington, D.C. with mild winters
and short summers. Okinawa is subtropical.
Spring, with its profusion of cherry blossoms and other flowering
trees and shrubs, and autumn, with its gold and flaming red trees
and lovely fall flowers, are the most pleasant seasons. The hot,
humid summers are difficult in the cities, but the sandy beaches
along the coast and the many fine mountain resorts provide pleasant
relief. The rather mild and dry winters are not as severe as the
U.S. East Coast; it rarely snows or rains in the Tokyo area at this
time of year. The climate causes no more of a problem with mildew,
mold, moths, mosquitoes or other pests than is experienced in
Washington, D.C.
Average Yearly Temperatures in °F:
Winter Spring Summer Fall Sapporo 25.0 42.4 66.6 55.9 Tokyo 41.4
55.6 75.9 63.0 Osaka/Kobe 41.9 58.4 78.4 64.0 Fukuoka 42.8 56.7 77.2
63.9 Naha 62.3 69.6 81.2 75.5
Population Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:44 AM
Japan’s population, currently some 125 million, has experienced a
phenomenal growth rate during the past 100 years as a result of
scientific, industrial, and sociological changes. High sanitary and
health standards produce a life expectancy exceeding that of the US.
The Japanese are a Mongoloid people, closely related to the major
groups of East Asia. However, some evidence of a mixture with
Malayan and Caucasoid strains is present. The latter is still
represented in pure form by a very small group of Ainu in Hokkaido,
the remains of the Caucasoid people who inhabited Japan in
prehistoric times, and who perhaps formed a portion of a circumpolar
culture extending across Siberia to European Russia.
The Japanese usually are described as group oriented rather than
individually oriented. Geography is the main reason for this group
orientation. Many people confined in a small land area poorly
endowed with natural resources traditionally work together for the
good of the whole.
In premodern Japan the extended family or clan system provided
security for the component families. Industrialization and
urbanization broke up this type of family system, but the
paternalistic tradition has continued through government social
welfare agencies and, to a greater degree, through large companies
that provide more fringe benefits than their Western counterparts.
The Japanese are always conscious of their uniqueness as a
people. They are proud of their country, its great natural beauty,
distinct culture, and the important role it plays in the modern
world. Because the Japanese are polite and cautious in approaching
social situations, they often impress foreigners as being shy and
reserved, but beneath this they are always interested and curious to
learn about foreign ideas and attitudes.
Japan’s communication with the rest of the world, from commerce
to the arts, has been hampered by a language barrier. Japanese is a
difficult language with a complicated writing system. Relatively few
non-Japanese are completely bilingual. Although English has been for
many years the international language of Japan, and the study of
English is compulsory in Japanese junior and senior high schools,
the Japanese have as difficult a time with English as non-Japanese
speakers do with Japanese. The average person can speak only a few
words, and business representatives and government officials are
constantly trying to improve their command of the language.
Instruction in English conversation is in great demand, and it is a
common experience for an American to be stopped on the street by
someone who just wants to practice a few sentences of English.
Japan is an urban society with only about 7% of the labor force
engaged in agriculture. Many farmers supplement their income with
part-time jobs in nearby towns and cities. About 80 million of the
urban population are heavily concentrated on the Pacific shore of
Honshu and in northern Kyushu. Metropolitan Tokyo with approximately
14 million, Yokohama with 3.3 million, Osaka 2.6, Nagoya 2.1, Kyoto
1.5, Sapporo 1.6, Kobe 1.4, and Kitakyushu, Kawasaki, and Fukuoka
with 1.2 million each account for part of this population. Japan
faces the same problems that confront urban industrialized societies
throughout the world: overcrowded cities, congested highways, air
pollution, and rising juvenile delinquency.
Shintoism and Buddhism are Japan’s two principal religions.
Buddhism first came to Japan in the 6th century and for the next 10
centuries exerted profound influence on its intellectual, artistic,
social, and political life. Although still important, it is a
relatively inactive religious form today. Monasteries and temples,
large and small, dot the landscape but usually play only subdued
background role in the life of the community. Most funerals are
conducted by Buddhist priests, and burial grounds attached to
temples are used by both faiths.
Shintoism is founded on myths and legends emanating from the
early animistic worship of natural phenomena. Since it was
unconcerned with problems of afterlife that dominated Buddhist
thought, and since Buddhism easily accommodated itself to local
faiths, the two religions comfortably coexisted, and Shinto shrines
and Buddhist monasteries often became administratively linked.
Today, many Japanese are adherents of both faiths. From the 16th to
the 19th century Shintoism flourished, eventually seeking unity
under a symbolic imperial rule. Adopted by the leaders of the Meiji
restoration, it received state support and was cultivated as a spur
to patriotic and nationalistic feelings. Following World War II,
state support was discontinued and the Emperor disavowed divinity.
Today, Shintoism plays a more peripheral role in the life of the
Japanese people. The numerous shrines are visited regularly by a few
believers and, if they are historically famous or known for natural
beauty, by many sightseers. Many marriages are held in the shrines,
and children are brought after birth and on certain anniversary
dates; special shrine days are celebrated for specific occasions,
and numerous festivals are held throughout the year. Many homes have
“god shelves” where offerings can be made to Shinto deities.
Confucianism arrived with the first great wave of Chinese
influence into Japan between the 6th and 9th centuries. Overshadowed
by Buddhism, it survived as an organized philosophy into the late
19th century and remains today as an important strain in Japanese
thought and values.
Christianity, first introduced into Japan in 1549, was virtually
stamped out a century later; it was reintroduced in the late 1800s
and has spread slowly. Today, it has 1.4 million adherents, which
includes a high percentage of important persons in education and
public affairs.
Beyond these three traditional religions, many Japanese today are
turning to a great variety of popular religious movements normally
lumped together under the name “new religions.” These religions draw
on the concept of Shinto, Buddhism, and folk superstition and have
developed in part to meet the social needs of elements of the
population. The officially recognized new religions number in the
hundreds and total membership is reportedly in the tens of millions.
Public Institutions Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Japan’s parliamentary government—a constitutional
monarchy—operates within the framework of a constitution that took
effect on May 3, 1947. Sovereignty is vested in the Japanese people
by constitutional definition, and the Emperor is the symbol of the
state, “deriving his position from the will of the people with whom
resides sovereign power.”
Japan has universal adult suffrage with secret ballot for all
elective offices, national and local. The government has an
executive responsible to the legislature and an independent
judiciary.
The seven major political parties represented in the National
Diet are the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the Democratic Party of
Japan (DPJ), the Clean Government Party (Komeito), the Liberal Party
(LP), the Japan Communist Party (JCP), the Social Democratic Party
(SDP), and the Conservative Party (CP).
Arts, Science, and Education Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Japan’s educational system is based on 6 years of elementary and
3 years of middle or junior high school. Schooling is compulsory and
free. More than 97% of children finishing middle school go on for 3
years of upper or senior high school.
Japan has over 1,174 universities, colleges, and junior colleges
and over 3 million college students, making it second only to the
U.S. in the proportion of its college-age population that are
students. Nevertheless, the most prestigious Japanese universities
can accept only a fraction of the applicants. About half of the
Japanese university students study in the Tokyo area. Before senior
high school and college, students must take extremely rigorous
competitive entrance examinations. The most difficult college
entrance examinations are for national universities like Tokyo and
Kyoto.
Despite the difficulty of the written language, Japan has one of
the world’s highest literacy rates. It is a country of readers,
ranking second only to the U.S. in book publishing.
Japan’s unique culture includes centuries-old graphic and
performing arts. Modern theater forms and modern graphic arts are
very popular, and Japanese artists and designers are among the
world’s best. Institutions like Tokyo’s National Theater continue to
preserve and encourage traditional art forms. Flower arranging
(ikebana), one of the unique cultural heritages, originated in the
1300s with the advent of the tea ceremony; today Japan has
3,000–4,000 ikebana schools with millions of followers. The tea
ceremony (chanoyu), perfected in the 16th century, fascinates both
participants and spectators by its simplicity and elegance, designed
to create peace of mind in both the performer and the partaker.
Kabuki, one of the most colorful forms of traditional Japanese
entertainment, a bustling, exaggerated drama accompanied by music
and song, and Noh, a form of Japanese court dance characterized by
use of masks, are performed regularly in cities throughout Japan.
Martial arts which include judo, karate, kendo, aikido, and Japanese
long-bow archery draw on Zen philosophy and traditionally have as
their objective the achievement of self-discipline and inner peace.
Martial arts performances can be seen regularly in the leading
cities.
Commerce and Industry Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Japan’s industrialized free market economy is the world’s second
largest, after the U.S. Together the two countries comprise over 30%
of global output. Japan’s economy provides the Japanese people with
a high standard of living: per capita GDP in 1999 was $24,075.
With only one-sixth of its land arable, Japan produces roughly
half of the food required for its population. Food self-sufficiency
rates continue to fall, however, with the Agriculture Ministry
predicting a rate of 40% by 2005. Fish is a staple of the Japanese
diet, and Japan maintains one of the world’s largest fishing fleets.
It currently ranks third among the top fishing countries, accounting
for almost 6% of global fishery production. Demand for imported food
has increased yearly as Japanese dietary preferences change toward
meat, bread, and dairy products. Japan imported over $47 billion in
foodstuffs in 1997.
Japan’s natural resources can supply only a fraction of the raw
materials needed by industry. For example, Japan imports more than
80% of its primary energy supply. Foreign trade is therefore vital;
reliable sources of raw materials and stable export markets are
essential to continued economic prosperity. With close
government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, and a mastery
of high technology, Japan’s industries have risen to become
household names and world leaders in the production of autos,
electronics, and machinery.
The U.S. is Japan’s leading trade partner; Japan is our third
largest foreign market, and the largest for U.S. agricultural
products. Japan’s exports to the U.S. are primarily motor vehicles,
machinery, and electronic products. The bulk of U.S. exports to
Japan are agricultural products, raw materials, and high-technology
products, such as aircraft and computers.
Transportation
Automobiles Last Updated: 7/13/2004 1:34 AM
A personally owned vehicle is not absolutely essential in view of
the excellent public transportation systems in Tokyo and throughout
most of Japan. However, most employees, particularly those with
families, do have their own vehicles for the convenience of
traveling outside Tokyo on weekends and for shopping trips to
military bases. Each residential unit on the housing compound and
each U.S. Government-rented residential unit is provided with a
parking space for one vehicle. The Embassy does not provide official
transport for personal use or home to work commuting; take this into
consideration when making a decision about importing a personally
owned vehicle.
Do not bring luxury-class cars to post. Tokyo’s streets are
narrow and parking spaces on the housing compound and elsewhere tend
to be small. Campers and vans with high clearance (over 6’ 10’’)
will not fit into the covered parking areas at the housing compound.
A compact car or mini-van with air-conditioning and power steering
is recommended. Since advance import clearance is not permitted, do
not ship cars to post to arrive before you (see Getting to the Post
for detailed shipping instructions).
All vehicles must be registered with the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs. To obtain registration, you must provide proof of ownership
(factory invoice or bill of sale) and a valid insurance policy.
Third-party insurance is compulsory. Embassy minimum requirements
are: ¥20,000,000 (bodily injury or death), and ¥2,000,000 (property
damage), plus Japanese compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance
(JCI or CALI) and its premium is currently ¥16,950. Premiums for
third-party insurance differ by the age of owner and capacity of
engine displacement and are currently ¥60,340 for age 26 with 1,500
cc-2,500 cc.
A vehicle imported under diplomatic procedures can be sold
(consumption) tax-free if it has been registered with the Ministry
for at least 2 years. Exceptions to the 2-year requirement will be
considered only if the vehicle has been severely damaged or is sold
to another person entitled to free entry. If the owner of a vehicle
is transferred or loses official status, and the car has been
registered for less than 2 years, it must be exported, sold to
another person entitled to free entry, or disposed of on the local
market by paying consumption tax. Personally owned cars cannot be
sold by proxy.
Many people purchase a used car for use while in Japan since
these vehicles are in good supply and available at relatively
reasonable prices. Write the Management Section for information, if
time permits, before making your final plans.
Currently, automobiles manufactured after March 31, 1976, face
stringent import restrictions for all classifications of foreigners,
except personnel assigned to Embassies and Consulates in Japan who
are reported to the Foreign Office. In practical terms, vehicles
manufactured after the March 31, 1976 deadline and imported by
Mission personnel will be extremely difficult to sell in-country
unless they meet Japanese emission standards. Alterations to such
vehicles may exceed the value of the vehicle. In short, it is likely
that any imported vehicle manufactured after March 31, 1976, will
have to be exported at the conclusion of the importer’s tour unless
it is sold to someone with the same free-entry privilege.
Traffic moves on the left and most cars are right-hand drive.
However, those with left-hand drive report little or no difficulty
driving. Most makes of American cars have local distributors who are
competent in maintenance and repair. Replacements for the more
complicated mechanisms, such as automatic shift or power steering,
may have to be ordered from the U.S. Repair facilities for European
makes can be found, but spare parts often have to be ordered from
abroad, and prices for parts and services are higher than in the
U.S.
Gasoline costs more than in the U.S. The Japanese Government
issues tax-free coupons to all assigned Mission personnel for use at
specified tax-free gas stations throughout Japan. Mission personnel
are permitted to buy from U.S. military installation stations (one
is at Hardy Barracks, not far from the Chancery), which sell
unleaded gasoline at higher than stateside prices. Unleaded gasoline
is also available from Japanese stations tax free.
Japanese streets and roads are generally congested with cars,
trucks, buses, motorbikes, and bicycles. Japanese cars are small by
American standards but are advantageous in the narrow streets and
limited parking areas. Driving is complicated by the fact that many
road signs are written in Japanese kanji, and most Tokyo streets are
not numbered or marked at all. Maps are essential for getting around
in the city. Rental cars are available, but the charges are
exorbitant.
To register a vehicle with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
employees and dependents must apply for a Japanese driver’s license
issued by the Public Safety Commission. In order to have your U.S.
driver’s license converted to a Japanese driver’s license, you must
appear in person at the licensing office and submit official
documents to prove that you had been in the U.S. for a minimum of
three full months during the time your U.S. driver’s license was
effective.
The Japanese driving licensing office will check the issuance
date and expiration date on your U.S. driver’s license and also
check the issuance date, embarkation/disembarkation stamp dates,
date of entry permit on your passport and compare the two. They will
accept your application if it reflects that you have been in the
U.S. for 3 months anytime your U.S. driver’s license was effective.
If your U.S. driver’s license was renewed recently, and you were
not physically present for 3 months in the U.S. before your initial
arrival date to Japan, you will be required to submit an original
document issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles of the State
where your license was issued that lists your previous driver’s
license records. The authorities will compare the DMV records with
your passport entry/exit stamps and issuance date in an attempt to
verify your physical presence in the U.S. for 3 months in total.
Post strongly recommends that when renewing your U.S. driver’s
license that you also request a driver’s license history record from
the DMV. You should bring an original DMV driver’s license history
record with you to post. Additionally, you should bring all current
and expired diplomatic/official and tourist passports for date
requirements.
Necessary items to apply for a Japanese driver’s license:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs ID card (receive at post) Valid U.S.
driver’s license (if recently renewed and has not been valid for
three full months before your arrival date to Japan, you will need
to submit an official document that lists your previous driver’s
license history record from the DMV). Japanese translation of your
U.S. driver’s license (provided at post). Diplomatic/official and
tourist passport(s) or any official document that will certify that
you have been in the U.S. for 3 months (e.g., expired passports,
school records, letter from prior employer, copies of travel orders
indicating a stateside tour.) One photo (size must be 3 cm x 2.4 cm)
6. Application fee is ¥4,150 for Administrative and Technical staff
only. For those with diplomatic status, there is no charge.
Yokohama. Most students, especially those bringing families to
Yokohama, find it worthwhile to have a car for shopping trips to
U.S. bases or for travel and sightseeing on weekends. Others get by
without a car, relying on travel by foot, bicycle, motorcycle, taxi,
or the region’s excellent public transportation network. Used cars
are available fairly cheaply, and the U.S. bases sell gas at prices
close to those in the U.S. Roads are usually congested, and
expressway tolls are high. Parking in downtown areas often costs
around ¥500 per hour, although shopping centers usually discount
parking for customers who spend over a certain amount. There is no
student parking at FSI; students commute by foot, bicycle,
motorcycle or bus. FSI sits atop a steep hill, and the nearest bus
stop is at the bottom of the hill.
The school and most student homes are near bus lines that offer
frequent service to downtown Yokohama and to the nearest train
stations. The rail network offers extensive and efficient, though
not cheap, service from Yokohama throughout the Kanto area. Downtown
Tokyo and the Embassy are about 1-1/2–2 hours away by either train
or car. The larger U.S. bases can be reached by train, but going by
car may be faster and more convenient.
Upon arrival in Japan, State Department students generally are
met at the airport and taken directly to their permanent housing.
Each new class is taken by Embassy van to the Embassy a day or two
after arrival for administrative check-in.
Send UAB and HHE in care of the American Embassy, Tokyo. For
further information see "The Host Country - Transportation" and
"Notes for Travel-ers" in this post report, or contact the FSI
Yokohama Director.
Sapporo. Reasonably priced used cars are available in Sapporo.
Four-wheel drive is useful, particularly outside the city in winter.
Since Japanese drive on the left, right-hand drive cars make passing
and turning hazardous.
Okinawa. The limitations of public transportation make a car
essential on Okinawa. A small car is appropriate for the many narrow
and congested roads. Compared to elsewhere in Japan, cars here tend
to be less costly to maintain, and probably easier to sell on
departure. Cars deteriorate rapidly on Okinawa due to the humid
climate and salt air, and regular steam cleaning and undercoating
are advised. Spare parts for many foreign cars, including some of
the more popular American models, are limited and expensive. Good
used cars can be purchased from departing American personnel or from
local used car dealers. Financing and insurance are available from
American firms here. Insurance rates are considerably higher than in
the U.S.
Consular license plates take about a month to arrive from Tokyo
after a car has been purchased. Japanese drivers’ licenses are
obtained in a day upon presentation of a valid U.S. license. Public
buses are a clean, safe and reliable, though expensive option. The
Consulate General is not accessible to public transportation without
long walks or several changes of bus lines. Taxis are numerous and
less expensive than in Tokyo. Only designated taxis are allowed to
enter the U.S. bases. Recently, all families at post have had two
cars.
New cars are readily available but not recommended. Although
Okinawa has a Ford dealer, repairs and spare parts for U.S.-made
cars, including American-made Japanese models, are difficult to
obtain. Reliable used Japanese cars can be purchased for about
$2,000–$3,000, but may be expected to require substantial upkeep and
repair expenditures during a 3-year tour. On-base car repair
facilities are local concessions, so the cost is at least as high as
at off-base shops. The high humidity, heavy with salt from the
ocean, and blowing coral dust are hard on metal, and cars rust
quickly. The on-base price for gasoline (89 octane and diesel only)
is about the same as the average price in the U.S.
Consulate General personnel are exempt from the rigorous
Government of Japan auto inspection law. Constant care is required
to prevent rapid deterioration. Adequate repair service can be
obtained from PX and local garages. The current PX self-service
price for unleaded gas is a little higher than those in the U.S.;
there is no leaded gasoline.
Transportation
Local Transportation Last Updated: 1/18/2005 0:34 AM
The public transportation systems of Japan’s major cities are
among the most modern in Asia and include excellent trains,
extensive subway systems, and buses. All cities have an abundance of
taxis. As in all heavily populated areas, transportation facilities
are overtaxed, particularly during rush hours. Japan Railway (JR)
electric trains link the major parts of Tokyo with outlying towns
and cities, and the subway system crisscrossing Tokyo is the most
inexpensive transportation in the city. Osaka has a JR loop line,
and subway systems are also located in Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka,
Fukuoka, and Sapporo. Bus service links subway and loop train lines
in Tokyo and is the system of local transportation in cities and
towns throughout Japan. Signs and directions in subway and railway
stations in the major cities usually appear in English as well as
Japanese, making subway and rail travel relatively simple for the
non-Japanese-speaking traveler.
Cruising taxis are plentiful. Taxis are safe and clean, though
not inexpensive. Most taxi drivers do not speak English, so have
directions to your destination written in Japanese. Most hotels have
these instructions at the front desk to assist their guests in
returning to the hotel. Taxi doors are operated by the driver,
opening and closing automatically. Taxis are metered; the charge in
Tokyo is Y660 for the first 2 kilometers plus Y80 for each
additional 274 meters. There are additional charges for slow
movement in traffic and late-night service. Consumption tax is added
to the total fare amount. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers.
Transportation
Regional Transportation Last Updated: 1/18/2005 0:39 AM
Most of the country is served by the JR system. The Shinkansen
(popularly known as the bullet train) is a familiar sight speeding
across the Japanese countryside connecting Tokyo and many of the
larger cities throughout Japan. These and other express and local
trains combine to form a vast rail network that is heavily used.
Sleeping, dining, and first-class (green) coaches are available on
the main lines. Trains maintain strict schedules, and the personnel
are polite and efficient. Porters or redcaps are available at all
principal stations although they are extremely few in number. Their
charges range from Y200 to Y300 per piece of baggage or more if the
baggage is extremely heavy.
Most of the major international airlines and a number of
steamship companies provide service to Japan. Domestic air travel is
quite extensive. Several domestic airlines operate to all the major
cities in Japan; airbus service has been instituted between Tokyo
and several cities. The airport used for domestic travel is Haneda,
23 kilometers from Tokyo. Rapid monorail or bus service is available
from Haneda to downtown Tokyo locations, and taxis are plentiful.
The taxi fare is around Y6,500.
The new Tokyo International Airport at Narita, about 77
kilometers from Tokyo, is used for all international flights (except
those of China Airlines, the Republic of China national carrier that
operates from Haneda). Surface transportation from Narita into the
city is commonly via limousine bus directly to the Tokyo City Air
Terminal (TCAT) or by taxi. Train service is also available, but its
use is not recommended for the newcomer due to the complicated
connections. Transit time by bus and taxi can be time consuming, at
least 1-1/2 hours, often more, depending on traffic conditions on
the heavily congested highways serving the airport from central
Tokyo. The airport limousine bus fare is ¥3,000, and taxi fare is
approximately ¥27,000, including toll charges.
Many express toll roads are excellent. Almost all roads are
paved. The main roads are generally in good condition, the secondary
roads are more inclined to be narrow and winding.
Communications
Telephones and Telecommunications Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Overseas calls can be direct dialed from the Embassy or compound
using either the International Voice Gateway (IVG) or any of several
American and Japanese carriers. To obtain the lowest possible rates,
bring a telephone credit card from AT&T, MCI, or SPRINT. These
carriers also provide International Long Distance service from any
phone within Japan. Fax service is available for both official and
personal messages through fax number (813) 3505-1862.
Telephone service, through the Embassy telephone system, is
provided to each unit on the housing compound. There is a
telecommunications charge for both this service and cable TV.
Charges for long-distance calls are additional.
International telegrams can be sent from any Kokusai Denshin
Denwa (KDD) office in any leading city, any local telegraph or
telephone office, and most hotels.
Communications
Mail and Pouch Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Postal rates for ordinary letters addressed within Japan are ¥80
and for ordinary postcards ¥50. International postal rates to the
U.S. for airmail letters are ¥110 for the first 25 grams; postcards
¥70, aerogram ¥90, and printed matter up to 20 grams ¥80 plus ¥40
for each additional 2 grams. Mail via the Army and Air Force Postal
Service (APO) arrives daily. The APO provides full service,
including express mail service. The mail transit times for
first-class mail varies from 6 to 10 days. Third- and fourth-class
mail is received by surface and may take 3 weeks to 1 month. The
Department pouch can be used only for official mail. Letters and
packages under 70 pounds can be sent through APO channels by either
Express, Priority, SAM, or PAL service.
Address all mail through the APO facilities as follows:
(Name) American Embassy Box* Unit 45004 APO AP 96337-5004
Insert correct box number for the office to which you are
assigned from the list below:
OFFICE BOX
ADM 209 AGRI 226 AMB 200 DAO 222 ATO 241 CONS 205 CUSTOMS 221 DCM
218 DEA 224 DOE 219 E/MIN 243 ECLO 268 ECON 203 EST 235 EWA 238 FAA
207 FCS 204 FINAT 216 FISH 217 FMC 213 FUKUOKA 242 GSO 212 HU 214
IMO 275 INS 231 IPC 230 IRS 208 ISC 234 ITC 233 LABOR 232 LEGATT 223
MDO 225 MLCO 237 MLG 220 MSG 206 NAGOYA 280 NASA 272 NSF 236 OSAKA
239 PCO 227 PER 211 POL 201 POL/T 264 PSU 228 RAS 202 RES 257 RSO
210 SAPPORO 276 SARRG 274 PAS 215 USTC 229
Pouch address for Tokyo is as follows:
Department of State 9800 Tokyo Place (or Pl.) Washington, D.C.
20521-9800
Communications
Radio and TV Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Far East Network (FEN) is an affiliate of the U.S. Armed
Forces Radio Network. FEN broadcasts 24 hours daily in English with
the latest news, music, and sports events (AM 810).
Japanese radio stations present a variety of classical and
popular music on both AM and FM. Japanese FM radios operate on a
lower frequency spectrum of 76 MHz to 90 MHz rather than the U.S.
frequencies of 88 MHz to 108 MHz. It is impossible to convert a U.S.
receiver for Japanese frequencies; so if you wish to receive most
Japanese stations, you will need to buy a domestic receiver.
The compound TV cable system currently offers nine channels of
audio programming that can be received on the U.S. FM band. Included
in the nine is the most popular English-language Japanese station.
TV in Japan has reached the highest levels of technical
sophistication. TV is broadcast in stereo, bilingual multiplex,
high-definition, and direct broadcast satellite (DBS). Of the many
channels available, two government non-commercial channels (NHK)
broadcast high-quality programs that include public service, sports,
and music events. The program content of the commercial networks
varies little from channel to channel with a large emphasis on
entertainment, musicals, and quiz programs. They do broadcast in
stereo.
Movies and U.S. TV series are often transmitted with a unique
bilingual soundtrack. Several hours of bilingual programming,
including live news broadcasts are transmitted daily.
The Embassy compound TV cable system is US NTSC and includes
Japanese channels as well as many popular English-language movie,
sports, and news channels. In addition to four video and eight audio
channels from the AFRTS satellite feed, the system also shows CNN,
TNT, Cartoon Network, and programming from various other sources.
The TV frequencies on the compound have been adjusted to permit a
standard American TV to receive all available Japanese and
foreign-language channels.
Off-compound residents will have access to satellite TV
companies, including "Direct TV" and "Perfect TV" as well as the
Japanese broadcast stations. Off-compound residents who expect to
use the TV as a source of entertainment may have to consider the
purchase of a domestic TV and/or VCR to meet minimum needs.
Communications
Newspapers, Magazines, and Technical Journals Last Updated:
7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Five English-language daily newspapers are published in Tokyo—the
Japan Times, the Daily Yomiuri, the Mainichi Daily News, the Asahi
Evening News, and the U.S. Army’s Stars and Stripes. Nihon Keizai
Shimbun, Japan’s major financial daily, has a weekly
English-language edition. Home delivery is available for all of
these newspapers. The Asian Wall Street Journal, published in Hong
Kong, is also available daily.
American magazines arrive from a few days to a month after
publication. The most popular periodicals are available in Stars and
Stripes bookstores, military exchanges, major hotels, or by
subscription. Asian editions of Newsweek and Time are published in
Tokyo and are promptly available by subscription or at major
newsstands.
American Embassy personnel and their dependents may borrow books
from the Embassy library in the Embassy apartment compound, U.S.
military base libraries, and the American Center. The Center also
has excellent periodical and reference collections. Large Japanese
bookstores and bookstores in major hotels carry a wide selection of
English-language books. Books also can be purchased at the Sanno
Hotel, Stars and Stripes, and at military base exchanges.
Health and Medicine
Medical Facilities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Tokyo. The Health Unit is located in the Chancery and is staffed
by a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, administrative assistant
and regional psychiatrist. The psychiatrist and nurse practitioner
have regional responsibilities and are absent from post on occasion.
Primary care outpatient services are available for employees and
eligible family members covered under the Department of State
Medical Program.
Medical administrative support for all the Consulates and
Consulates General is provided through this office. The regional
medical officer is posted to Manila and makes periodic visits to
Tokyo and the Consulates and Consulates General in Japan.
Primary care services include, but are not limited to,
confidential consultation (diagnosis and treatment), immunizations,
urgent/minor emergencies, health promotion, and related health
services. There are no laboratory or radiology facilities in the
Health Unit.
The Health Unit staff can assist in making referrals to U.S.
military facilities and medical facilities in the Tokyo area. For
Tokyo residents, the minimum of a 3–4 hour round-trip commute is
required to get to a U.S. military facility in the area, namely U.S.
Air force Hospital at Yokota, U.S. Naval Regional Medical Center at
Yokosuka, U.S. Naval Regional Medical Center at Yokohama, and the
U.S. Army Health Clinic at Camp Zama. The U.S. military facility, in
the Fukuoka area is the U.S. Naval Regional Medical Center at
Sasebo. The U.S. Naval Regional Medical Center on Okinawa is
available to personnel in Naha. All outpatient medical expenses are
the responsibility of the employee. Payment is expected at the time
service is given.
Obtain appropriate medical/hospitalization insurance prior to
your arrival. The Office of Medical Services acts only as a
secondary insurance payer. Direct questions concerning eligibility
for coverage under the Department of State Medical Program to the
Office of Medical Services, Department of State (202) 663-1662.
Many English-speaking Japanese physicians, with U.S.
post-graduate training, as well as Western doctors, maintain private
practices in Tokyo. An up-to-date listing is available from the
Health Unit. Local hospitals and clinics range from older facilities
to very modern medical centers. Language continues to be a
frustrating barrier in many facilities.
Completing the following "to do" list will make your transition
to Japan easier:
Make sure you and eligible family members have a current medical
clearance. Upon arrival in Tokyo, make an appointment for a Health
Unit briefing. Handcarry your medical records to post and bring a
copy of your current medical clearance to the briefing. Handcarry
all pertinent medical reports and evaluations especially for
children with learning disabilities. There are few resources for
children with special learning needs. Start the ad-mission process
to schools early. Update your immunizations before arriving at post.
The Health Unit stocks a limited supply of prescription medications
for acute illness. Bring an adequate supply of over-the-counter
medications and long-term prescription medications. Do not pack
prescription medications in your check-in luggage. Handcarry your
prescription medications. The Health Unit stocks fluoride
supplements for children. Check with the Health Unit regarding
appropriate dosages. Individuals enrolled in a preferred provider
organization (PPO) or health maintenance organization (HMO) will
find it difficult to use this coverage overseas. Individuals that
are members of a PPO or HMO should consider changing insurance
policies before arriving to Tokyo. Bring a hot-steam humidifier(s)
for dry winter weather. Bring a dehumidifier(s) for the hot and
humid summer weather. Bring flashlights and emergency first-aid
kit(s) for your home and car. Enroll in a first aid and CPR course
before arriving to post. Visit your dentist for cleaning and dental
check-up before arriving to Tokyo. Dental care in Tokyo is
expensive. Okinawa. The U.S. Navy Regional Medical Center at Camp
Lester is a modern five-story, 500-bed facility. The hospital
provides general medicine and specialty clinics to authorized
personnel and their eligible family members. Except for children’s
illnesses and emergency care, it can be difficult to obtain
appointments for routine outpatient care. Dental care is available
on a space-available basis.
The Adventist Medical Center provides an alternative for dental
and medical care at Camp Lester. It is a modern, well-run facility
staffed by American or American-trained missionary physicians and
dentists from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Full payment in yen
at the time of service is expected.
Osaka-Kobe. There are excellent medical resources in Osaka-Kobe.
Hospitals providing OB/GYN and pediatric services are located 30
minutes from the housing compound. Physical exams can be done at
Kobe Kaisei Hospital. Serious medical problems are referred to
appropriate medical specialists.
Yokosuka Naval Hospital, the nearest DOD facility with
sophisticated medical capabilities, is 4 hours away by train or
taxi. Inexpensive overnight housing may be available at the base.
Sapporo. English-speaking, U.S.-trained doctors and dentists are
available to Consulate General personnel. Sapporo has two university
hospitals for emergency and routine care.
Health and Medicine
Community Health Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
General health conditions in Japan are similar to those in the
U.S. The city water supply, in all major cities, is potable. Sewage
and garbage disposal facilities are adequate. The country has no
special pest or vermin problems.
Air pollution has been a problem in Tokyo over the years, but an
active anti-pollution program has reduced the problem significantly.
Nevertheless, the summer heat and humidity will exacerbate
respiratory ailments such as asthma.
In recent years, tuberculosis (TB) has been on a sharp increase
in Japan. Employees and eligible family members are encouraged to
have annual TB skin testing (PPD).
Health and Medicine
Preventive Measures Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Endemic diseases are not prevalent and no particular preventive
measures need be taken beyond updating routine immunizations. The
water is not fluoridated. The Health Unit stocks fluoride
supplements for children posted in Tokyo and the Consulates and
Consulates General.
No immunizations are required to enter Japan.
Employment for Spouses and Dependents Last Updated: 7/13/2004
1:38 AM
Several Eligible Family Member (EFM) appointments are available.
Spouses and dependents are employed in positions in the Community
Liaison Office (CLO) as well as other sections and agencies. Other
employment opportunities include temporary secretarial or clerical
assistance when needed to cover staff assignment gaps, home leave or
periods of long illness. Amid the activities sponsored by EWA
(Employee Welfare Association), a variety of part-time jobs may also
be available.
Embassy spouses have in the past worked in a wide range of
occupations locally, depending upon their expertise and educational
background. The CLO periodically receives information from various
business and private sector sources about careers and employment in
Japan. Family members with special qualifications may wish to
contact the CLO for assistance in finding employment.
English-language editing and/or teaching are the most frequently
available positions on the local economy.
Please note that only spouses of Embassy employees with
diplomatic or official status are permitted to work on the local
economy without having to obtain a working visa. They must, however,
obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Justice through the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs before accepting any employment that
does not conflict with their diplomatic or official status. An
exception to this might be if a spouse is currently employed outside
of Japan and intends to continue work with the same company in
Japan. In these cases, you are advised to contact the post with
particulars.
In addition, spouses must, before accepting employment, obtain
from their prospective employers, a written statement or contract
that describes the position, the period of employment, number of
working hours per week, the proposed salary, a resume (curriculum
vitae), and a statement indicating the reasons for wishing to accept
a particular job. Upon receiving these documents, once approved by
the M/C for Management Affairs, the Embassy Human Resources Office
will initiate the process to assist spouses in obtaining a work
permit. Please note that the Ministry of Justice through the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles employment requests on a
case-by-case basis. An official response, (approval or disapproval)
requires 4–6 weeks.
Note: During the actual working hours that spouses are employed
as stipulated by the work permit, they relinquish their immunity
from judicial process in matters relating to their employment.
Working spouses are subject to payment of Japanese taxes derived
from their employment.
Summer employment opportunities may also be available for teens
at lease 16 yrs of age and college students 18 to 22 yrs of age
returning to Japan for vacation under the auspices of the Embassy.
For more info on the summer hire program, contact Post CLO.
The Employee Welfare Association (EWA) has also offered some
part-time and full-time jobs for Embassy dependents during the
summer. These jobs include day-care providers and summer camp
counselors.
American Embassy - Tokyo
Post City Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:42 PM
Tokyo is at the head of Tokyo Bay on the Kanto Plain, the largest
level area in Japan. The city proper covers 221 square miles; the
796-sq.mi. metropolitan area occupies sea level stretches along the
bay and rivers, as well as hilly areas further inland, which include
several suburban towns and cities. The metropolitan area population
is now over 14 million.
Tokyo developed originally around a feudal castle built during
the 16th century. Toward the end of that century, a great feudal
lord named Tokugawa Iyeyasu ruled this castle and the surrounding
area. In 1603, after a series of civil wars, he set himself up as a
military dictator of all Japan and administered his rule from Edo,
which later was called Tokyo. Under succeeding Tokugawa rulers, the
city grew in importance and became the area’s leading commercial
center.
Tokyo has been, for all practical purposes, the capital of Japan
since 1603, although the imperial court in the ancient capital of
Kyoto maintained nominal authority until 1868. The court moved to
Tokyo and a Western-style government was established in the 1860s.
Tokyo is also the financial, commercial, industrial,
communications, and educational center of Japan. It has over 7,900
factories or plants with 30 or more employees, 102 4-year colleges
and universities, and 28 daily newspapers. Tokyo is Japan’s most
international city with more than 122,500 foreign residents,
including more than 14,000 Americans. Most foreign companies doing
business in Japan have their headquarters here.
Tokyo is a vital city of striking contrasts of confusion and
calm. Business and residential properties are side by side, giving a
patchwork quilt impression. It has lovely parks and shrines, broad
thoroughfares, modern office buildings and hotels, expressways, and
department stores like those in other large cities. But beyond these
lies another world of narrow streets, markets, theaters,
restaurants, and Japanese-style houses that make Tokyo a unique
city.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/13/2004 1:50 AM
The U.S. Mission in Japan, under the direction of the Ambassador,
consists of the Embassy, USAID, FAS, FCS, and about 23 other U.S.
Government agencies in Tokyo; Consulates General in Naha, Okinawa;
Osaka-Kobe; and Sapporo; Consulates in Fukuoka and Nagoya; FSI
Yokohama and PAS centers in Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Osaka.
Headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan is at nearby Yokota Air Base and
various commands are located throughout the mainland and on Okinawa.
The Ambassador is responsible for assuring that all U.S. programs
and activities are coordinated to achieve U.S. policy objectives.
The 12-story Chancery, on the same site used by chanceries since
the late 1800s, was completed and occupied in 1976. This modern
office building houses all elements of the Mission except the
following, which are separately located in areas of the city where
they are more accessible to clientele they serve: the U.S. Trade
Center, the American Center, and the Agricultural Trade Office.
Newly assigned personnel travel to Japan by air. New arrivals are
met at the airport if the Embassy receives firm flight information
and if the arrival date is on a regularly scheduled work day during
normal operating hours. Note that you will cross the international
date line en route to Tokyo. Notify the Embassy Management or Human
Resources Office or the office of your agency as soon as your travel
plans are firm. If hotel reservations are necessary, arrangements
can be made. If for some reason you are not met, take the airport
bus to the downtown Tokyo City Air Terminal. Then call the Embassy’s
transportation secretary, 3224-5764 during working hours (or the
Marine Guard, 3224-5605) after hours. Office hours are from Monday
through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On the first work day after your arrival, report to the Embassy
Human Resources Office to initiate check-in procedures. You will
need Embassy identification cards for access to the Embassy,
commissary, and military facilities. Bring your passports and photos
with you to expedite the administrative processing. You need four 2"
x 2" photos for identification cards issued by the Foreign Office
and one 1" x 1-l/2" photo for a driver’s license.
Since it takes a minimum of 1 week to obtain a Japanese driver’s
license after all forms are completed and photos received, bring an
international drivers license if you plan on driving an official
vehicle within the first few weeks after arrival. Vehicle
registration takes approximately 2 weeks.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:43 PM
Employees of State, Foreign Commercial Service, Foreign
Agriculture Service, and the Defense Attaché Office are assigned
government-owned quarters and every effort is made for them to move
directly into their assigned unit upon arrival. Some will be
required to move into a temporary apartment at the Mitsui Housing
Compound while their permanent quarters are made ready. Employees of
other agencies generally live in leased apartments on the economy
and may stay in temporary quarters for 2 months or longer. Their
temporary quarters may be on the Mitsui Housing Compound (if space
is available) or in a hotel.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:44 PM
The U.S. Government-owned Ambassador’s residence adjacent to the
Chancery is a historic and stately building with attractive gardens
and a swimming pool. Large representational reception and dining
areas are on the ground floor, and the Ambassador’s private quarters
and ample guest suites are on the second floor. The DCM’s home,
located about one kilometer from the Chancery, is large, with ample
reception and dining areas, patio and garden to accommodate the
representational needs of the Deputy Chief of Mission.
The Mitsui Housing Compound, located on a landscaped 11-acre hill
within a 15-minute walk from the Chancery, comprises 171 apartment
and townhouse units in five separate buildings. These U.S.
Government-owned units are: Perry Tower (47 apartments), Harris
Tower (42 apartments), Grew Tower (42 apartments), Mitsui Townhouses
(14 units), and Temple Townhouses (28 units). The grounds include a
large-covered swimming pool that is open year round, a multipurpose
building (gymnasium and exercise/weight room), tennis courts,
children’s playground, gardens and ponds between the tower
buildings, a recreation hall (housing a racquetball court, a martial
arts practice room, a youth game room, and a large multipurpose room
with a fully equipped kitchen) and parking for residents and a
limited number of guests in a covered garage. Housing for the
Embassy Marine Security Guards, an outdoor basketball court, and a
domestics’ dormitory building are also on the compound.
All personnel of State, FCS and the Defense Attach‚ Office are
assigned housing on the compound. Employees of other agencies may be
offered housing depending upon availability; typically they live on
the economy in government-leased quarters.
Post has an active Inter-Agency Housing Board, with
representatives of both foreign affairs and non-foreign affairs
agencies as members. The Government-Owned (GO), Government-Leased
(STL), and privately leased (LQA) housing programs are administered
in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the Foreign Affairs
Manual (6 FAM 700).
Embassy housing on the Mitsui Compound includes both apartments
and townhouses, ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom units. It
must be emphasized that housing assignments are determined by
availability, family size, and position/rank.
Storage facilities are extremely limited. Official storage space
is also extremely limited and the General Services Office does not
remove government furnishings from apartments in order to make space
for personal effects. New personnel should avoid shipping any major
items of furniture. Even those bringing well under the authorized
7,200 lbs. may find that they cannot fit all of their belongings in
their apartment. Especially single employees assigned to positions
at grades FS-5 or GS-9 and below and couples with no children may be
assigned to quarters considerably smaller than those they have lived
in at other posts. All employees are encouraged to check with their
sponsor, the General Services Office, or the Community Liaison
Office with questions concerning the size of their apartment before
shipping their household effects.
The three towers—Perry, Harris, and Grew—are 14 stories tall,
each containing 42–47 furnished, centrally heated and
air-conditioned apartments. The vast majority of units are
two-level, with internal stairs linking separate living-dining and
sleeping areas. The towers have 23 one-bedroom units with about
1,000 square feet gross floor space. These units are generally
assigned to single personnel working in positions at grades FS-5 or
GS-9 and below. The one-bedroom units are comparable to small
one-bedroom apartments in the Washington, D.C. area. The 57
two-bedroom units have 950 to 1,250 square feet gross. They are
assigned to couples and single personnel at the higher grades. The
22 three-bedroom units in the towers are 2,000 to 2,250 square feet.
Ranging in size from 3,000 to 4,700 square feet, the 27 four-bedroom
units in the towers include penthouse apartments for heads of the
foreign affairs agencies.
Perry Tower (47 apartments) has 7 four-bedroom units with floor
space ranging from 3,082 to 4,782 sq. ft. gross (286 to 444 sq.
meters); 8 three-bedroom units of 2,009 to 2,251 sq. ft. (187 to 209
sq. meters); 19 two-bedroom units of 1,388 to 1,702 sq. ft. (129 to
158 sq. meters); and 13 one-bedroom units of 956 to 1,256 sq. ft.
(88 to 117 sq. meters). All units are centrally
heated/air-conditioned.
Harris Tower and Grew Tower (42 apartments each) each have 10
four-bedroom units, 7 three-bedroom units, 19 two-bedroom units, and
6 one-bedroom units with floor spaces similar to those in Perry
Tower. All units are centrally heated and air-conditioned. On the
ninth floor of each tower building is a common terrace for
entertainment purposes.
Mitsui Townhouses (four story, 14 units) have seven four-bedroom
units with an average floor space of 2,600 sq. ft. and seven
three-bedroom units of 2,400 sq. ft. There is a car port and a small
rock garden on the ground level of these units. Each unit is
individually heated/air-conditioned and hot water is supplied from a
hot water heater/storage tank in the machine room of each unit.
Temple Townhouses (three story, 28 units) has 14 four-bedroom
units with floor space of 2,800 sq. ft. a patio on the ground level,
and a large attic on the top floor; 14 three-bedroom units of 2,150
sq. ft. each with a 450 sq. ft. patio. All units are centrally
heated/air-conditioned. Parking is one floor below for all Temple
Townhouse dwellers.
All housing units on the compound are equipped with at least one
electric oven/range, dishwasher, and refrigerator in the kitchen and
an electric clothes washer and dryer in the laundry room. A small
storage cage, located on the basement level of the three tower
buildings, is allocated for each unit with the exception of the four
bedroom units in the three towers, the four-bedroom units in Temple
Townhouses, and all Mitsui Townhouse units.
Each of the towers is connected to the parking area under Temple
Townhouses by an underground tunnel. The compound control center is
staffed by contractors 24 hours daily with an English-speaking
attendant to handle emergency calls. During work hours, Monday
through Friday and Saturday mornings, a buildings operations
contractor manager is on duty. The Embassy provides groundskeeping
and custodial services in the compound’s public areas.
Mitsui Compound residents who are housed in units that contain
domestic employee quarters must house their domestic employees in
these quarters. Those living on the compound without domestic
employee quarters in their apartments may apply for space for their
domestic employee in the dormitory on the compound.
Personnel who are not assigned to State, Foreign Agricultural
Service, Foreign Commercial Service, and DAO should check with their
parent agencies to determine whether housing will be leased by the
agency or by the individual employee and what furniture or
furnishings will be provided.
Housing available for rent is generally smaller in scale than
that found in the U.S. Both apartments and houses normally have
central heating and apartments in most cases also have central
air-conditioning. Apartments leased for Embassy personnel normally
have adequate Western-style major appliances.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:45 PM
The Ambassador’s residence and DCM’s home are fully furnished
with basic furniture; lamps, draperies, carpets or area rugs are
provided. Each house has complete kitchen and laundry facilities.
These residences are also provided representational china, crystal,
silverware and table, bed, and bath linens.
The Mitsui Compound housing units have basic living, dining, and
bedroom furniture. A typical apartment will be furnished with a
sofa, love seat, occasional chairs, coffee and end tables, lamps,
dining room table and chairs, buffet, and queen-sized bed in the
master bedroom and twin beds in the other bedrooms. A microwave oven
and vacuum cleaner is also provided for each unit. Small electrical
appliances, dishes, silverware, kitchen utensils, and the like are
not provided.
Do not ship major furniture items or major appliances since the
post has very limited storage facilities. No undue influences of
climate normally affect furnishings you may wish to bring. However,
extreme dryness in winter and high humidity in summer make
humidifiers and dehumidifiers useful items for personal comfort.
U.S. Government-leased or Privately leased Quarters. Most rental
housing is unfurnished or only partially furnished. If you must ship
your own furniture, keep in mind the somewhat smaller scale of local
construction, which may preclude the use of large overstuffed
furniture or outsize cupboards or chests. Climatic factors do not
normally preclude shipment of any particular type of furniture of
furnishings. However, for personal comfort a humidifier and
dehumidifier are suggested. If you plan to purchase any major
appliances, basic furniture pieces, or general household furnishings
for use here, the military exchanges in the area generally carry a
stock of these items. Prices on the local market are higher than
U.S. prices, but those at the exchanges are comparable. The
exchanges also carry a limited range of U.S. brand small appliances
(toasters, mixers, fans, vacuum cleaners, irons), china, glassware,
cutlery, kitchenware, and lamps as well as refrigerators, freezers,
washers, dryers, stoves, and dishwashers.
Telephone service is readily available throughout the city.
American touch-tone phones will work on the Japanese system.
Ship your airfreight at least 10 work days before you leave to
assure that it will be here when you arrive. Pack items you will
need until your household affects (HHE) arrive. The Embassy lends
Welcome Kits to new arrivals assigned to the Mitsui Housing
Compound. Kits contain basic dishes, flatware, kitchen utensils,
linens, and blankets. A limited number of infant cribs are also
available. Infant food sterilizers, cribs, and high chairs may be
shipped under existing regulations in airfreight or unaccompanied
baggage (UAB) as part of the overall airfreight weight allowance.
Layette items are available at the military bases.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:45 PM
Electricity in Tokyo is single phase 100 or 200 volts, 50 cycles
(HZ) electric current. All homes on the Mitsui compound are supplied
with 117 volt, 50-cycle electric current, and the wall receptacles
(electric outlets) are U.S. standard and will accept two blade
electric plugs and two blade with ground prong plugs (NEMA spec.
5-15). Most U.S.-manufactured appliances will operate satisfactorily
as long as they will tolerate 50-cycle electric current. Electric
timing devices and clocks that are designed for standard U.S.
60-cycle electric current may not operate properly on 50-cycle
electricity. Most appliances manufactured for Tokyo use require 100
volt, 50-cycle electric current and some require a stepdown
transformer if operated in Mitsui compound residences.
Food Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:41 PM
Most food items available in the U.S. can be obtained in Tokyo,
either through the Employee’s Welfare Association (EWA), military
commissaries, or on the local market at higher prices.
The EWA convenience store, located on the Embassy housing
compound, carries a variety of grocery items, dairy products, frozen
foods, frozen meats, household and cleaning supplies, toiletries,
some stationery items, soft drinks, beer, and alcoholic beverages.
Commissaries at the nearby military bases are comparable to U.S.
supermarkets. The small commissary at Hardy Barracks resembling a
7-11 store is approximately 10 minutes away from the Housing
Compound by car and carries a limited stock of basic grocery items.
The New Sanno Hotel also has a small shoppette. Throughout the city
one can conveniently locate greengrocers, convenience-type stores,
and large modern supermarkets.
All personnel assigned to the Mission are accorded access to
military facilities that include, in addition to the outlets
mentioned above, commissaries and exchanges at Yokohama, Yokota,
Atsugi, Zama, Sagamihara, and Yokosuka in the Tokyo area. Access to
the EWA convenience store and other EWA-operated facilities is
granted to all EWA members. The annual membership dues in 2005 are
$40 for a single, $80 for a family of two or single parent, and $120
for a family of three or more.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
General. Bring a four-season wardrobe for all family members.
Winter clothing is advised for the cold and damp winter months.
Summer in Tokyo can be very hot and humid. Raincoats and umbrellas
are essential.
Local department and specialty stores carry a variety of
Western-style clothes and imported items from the design centers of
the world for both men and women but are generally available in
sizes unique to the Japanese physique and are very expensive.
Excellent quality silks, woolens, and various synthetics are
available.
Shoes for men, women and children are available locally but it is
difficult, and sometimes impossible, to find the proper size. Shoe
sizes are shorter and wider than in the U.S.
Although the military exchanges carry clothing and shoes for men,
women, and children, the supply and variety are limited, and quality
runs from average to poor. This is a good source for fill-in items
but not recommended as the main supply source. Catalog and internet
shopping are essential for most families.
If you need special sizes or particular brands in clothing and
shoes in order to be properly fitted, bring them with you. Office
dress as well as sports and casual attire follow Washington or U.S.
standards. Social functions are not extremely dressy. Simple good
taste is the best criterion.
Clothing
Men Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The accepted attire for dinner parties, unless otherwise stated,
is a business suit. Black tie is the usual formal attire. Senior
officers may occasionally need a morning coat and striped trousers.
These items, top hats and other accessories can be rented locally.
Clothing
Women Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
An afternoon dress, a simple long dress, or long skirt and top
are suitable for the frequent cocktail parties, receptions, and
buffet dinners. Formal attire is a floor-length dress. Bring at
least one full skirt (either long or short) that would be
appropriate for dining in Japanese restaurants or homes where guests
sit on tatami mats on the floor.
Clothing
Children Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
A variety of children’s clothing is available; sizes are not a
big problem but prices are high.
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The following items are available through the military exchanges
at comparable or lower than U.S. prices as well as on the local
market but at higher prices: toiletries for men and women,
cosmetics, feminine personal supplies, tobacco items, home medicines
and drugs; common household items, including minor repair materials;
and entertainment supplies such as candles, napkins, invitations,
tablecloths, centerpieces, decorations, and cards for all occasions.
The EWA commissary also carries some of the above items.
Supplies and Services
Basic Services Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All basic services—laundry, drycleaning, barber and beauty shops,
shoe, and automobile repair—are available both at the military
facilities and on the local market. Barber facilities are in the
Chancery. A beauty shop and drycleaning facilities are located on
the housing compound.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The number and type of domestics varies with the obligations and
living pattern of the employee. Some employees utilize full-time
live-in domestics, while others (particularly those without child
care needs) find that a part-time maid 1 or 2 days a week is
sufficient in Tokyo’s compact and well-equipped apartments. Most
English-speaking domestics who work on the housing compound do so on
a part-time basis for several persons each week. The hourly rate for
part-time domestics is approximately ¥1,000. Salaries for full-time
domestics vary but generally you can expect to pay $1,000-$1,500 per
month.
There is a dormitory for domestics on the Mitsui Housing Compound
that is available on a space-available basis for domestics sponsored
by employees living on the compound. To qualify for the dormitory,
employees who will be sponsoring domestic employees must employ them
for 24 hours or more per week and the domestic must work at least 40
hours per week for Embassy employees or affiliated organizations.
Domestics are covered by Japanese national health insurance but
are not covered by unemployment insurance. Many employers assume
partial obligation for doctors’ bills and for the placement of a
domestic in another position when they leave Japan. Those who
sponsor non-Japanese domestics are responsible for assuring their
departure from Japan if not placed with a qualified sponsor.
Teenage dependents of Embassy employees and part-time maids are
available as babysitters when those services are needed on compound
for an hourly rate of ¥1,000. Off compound, the cost could be more.
Teenagers charge from ¥500 per hour depending on age and experience
while part-time maids charge ¥1,000 per hour.
Employees planning to bring domestic help to post must consult
with the General Services Office prior to making transportation
arrangements, and with the Human Resources Office regarding visa
requirements for non-Japanese domestics.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the authority to issue visas
for the third-country nationals. Visas must be obtained outside
Japan. The length of the procedures and the restrictions differ case
by case. The Ministry of Justice permits the status of residence.
The category of their status is the same as their given category of
visas.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
English-language services are available in the Tokyo and Yokohama
areas for members of most denominations.
Religions represented include Roman Catholic, Baptist,
Seventh-day Adventist, Episcopal, Mormon, Christian Scientist,
Lutheran, Interdenominational, Jewish, and Interdenominational
Charismatic. The churches offer a variety of fellowship for all age
groups and combined programs to provide services for the benefit of
the foreign community in the area.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Tokyo has a wide
selection of excellent schools that provide education comparable to
that available in the best schools in the U.S. and elsewhere. The
school styles range from open classroom to more structured
approaches; sports, music, drama, and other outside activities are
provided in varying degrees. Graduates from the schools in the area
have no difficulty being accepted by the best U.S. colleges and
universities. To accommodate the requirements of children with
special needs, parents should be certain to communicate directly
with the schools regarding individual educational needs and programs
available. The school year is from September to June. It is
essential to communicate with the schools as early as possible since
competition for spaces is keen. Most schools begin accepting
applications for the upcoming school year in November of the current
year. Most of the private schools maintain waiting lists. Upon
acceptance, many schools require an early commitment on the part of
the family and may require a non-refundable deposit. Prior to making
any commitment, it is important for families to ensure that they are
fully aware of their financial responsibilities and obligations by
checking with the school and post. The schools in the Tokyo area
most frequently used by Embassy personnel are listed below. Each is
accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition and other fees, books, and transportation are
reimbursable up to the current educational allowance for the post.
The cost of expensive uniforms, which are required by many of the
schools, is not reimbursable.
A physical examination is required by most of the schools. Keep a
copy of the results of the physical examination conducted in
connection with your transfer to Japan as this usually will suffice.
The American School in Japan (ASIJ) (1-1, Nomizu 1-chome,
Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0031, tel: O422-34-5300, fax: O422-34-5308; web
address: www.asij.ac.jp; e-mail: enroll@asij.ac.jp) is an
independent elementary and secondary school accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges. It is an overseas
member of the National Association of Independent Schools of the
United States and is affiliated with the International Schools
Service. Of the 1,400 students, 67% are American, 15% are Japanese
and the rest third-country nationals. The curriculum is similar to
that of the best U.S. college preparatory schools. In addition,
Japanese language and area studies are offered in all grades.
The facilities include an indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums,
theater, laboratories, libraries, and cafeteria. The emphasis is on
individualized instruction through the modular schedule in the
secondary schools and through employment of team teaching as a means
of greater flexibility in the elementary school. The number of
graduates who enter colleges is about 98%.
The school is at Chofu in Tokyo’s western suburbs. The school
provides bus service from all areas of Tokyo including a stop at the
apartment compound, with commuting time running slightly under an
hour each way. Train service to within 10 minutes walking distance
from the school is also available.
The American School in Japan Nursery-Kindergarten (3-5 age group)
(15-5, Aobadai 2-chome, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-0042; e-mail:
nk@asij.ac.jp). In addition to the kindergarten on the Chofu campus,
ASIJ operates a nursery kindergarten Meguro that is about 20 minutes
from the housing compound. It accommodates 115 students of several
nationalities. The normal school day includes teacher-directed work
and activities (music, library, films), rest periods, snack, and
outdoor play.
International School of the Sacred Heart (3-1, Hiroo 4-chome,
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0012; fax: (3) 3400-3496; tel: (3) 3400-3951;
web address: www.iac.co.jp/~issh3/; e-mail: issh@gol.com) is an
elementary and secondary institution with a student body of about
588 students directed by the Catholic Sisters of the Society of the
Sacred Heart. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges, it is a school for girls; however, boys are accepted for
kindergarten. Around 50 different nationalities are represented in
the student body and about 40–50 graduates are admitted to U.S. and
Japanese colleges and universities each year. The school plant
includes laboratories, gymnasium, and library; sports facilities
also are provided. The school is on the Sacred Heart University
campus in central Tokyo.
Nishimachi International School (14-7, Moto Azabu 2-chome,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046; tel: (3) 3451-5520; fax: (3) 3456-0197;
web address: www.nishimachi.ac.jp; e-mail: info@-nishimahi.ac.jp)
offers instruction from kindergarten through grade 9. It is
accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Enrollment is about 400 with an international student body. The
curriculum allows easy progression into the international high
schools in the Tokyo area. Centrally located in Tokyo, the school
has a gym (but no field), a large library, plus a strong Japanese
language and active cultural activities programs. It generally
requires early application for admission since there is usually a
waiting list, particularly in the lower grades.
Seisen International School for Girls (12-15, Yoga l-chome,
Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0097; fax: (3) 3701-1033; tel: (3) 3704-2661;
web address: www.seisen.com; e-mail: sisnfo@jap.com) is a girls’
elementary and secondary school accredited by the Western
Association of Secondary Schools and Colleges and operated by the
Catholic order, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Boys are
accepted for kindergarten. Enrollment is around 645, representing 60
nationalities. The emphasis in the secondary school is college
preparatory with an extracurricular program of arts, drama,
journalism, music, and sports. Some 94% of graduates enter college.
The school is in Tokyo, convenient to public buses, subways, and
trains.
St. Mary’s International School (6-19, Seta l-chome, Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo 158-8668; fax: (3) 3707-1950; tel: (3) 3709-3411; web address:
www.smistokyo.com; e-mail: jutra@twics.com) is sponsored by the
Catholic order, Brothers of Christian Instruction. It is an
elementary and secondary boy’s school accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges with an enrollment of 900,
representing some 70 nationalities. The school has a preschool (5
years), but there is a waiting list. The secondary school curriculum
is college preparatory, and participation in sports and
extracurricular activities including music, arts, drama, and
journalism is emphasized. The international Baccalaureate program is
offered in the high school. The facilities include a gymnasium,
indoor pool, laboratories, library, and cafeteria. Almost all
graduates enter American colleges. Bus service is provided by the
school. In addition, train, subway, and public bus service to the
school is excellent.
Tokyo International Learning Community (6-3-50 Osawa, Mitaka-shi,
Tokyo 181-0015, Tel: 0422-31-9611; fax: 0422-31-9648; web address:
www.tilc.org; e-mail: tilc@gol.com) Established in 1987, Tokyo
International Learning Community was set up by concerned parents and
professionals in Tokyo’s English-speaking community to support the
education of students with special needs.
Its staff now consists of four full-time teachers and over 10
other staff members, including an occupational therapist, a physical
therapist, a speech pathologist, and a psychologist. Based in a
seven-room school building in Mitaka, Tokyo International Learning
Community has an Early Childhood program for children from newborn
to 5 years old with developmental disabilities or difficulties, and
their families, as well as an Upper School Program for elementary,
middle- and high-school students.
There is a support group for parents of children with special
needs. A program for students enrolled in other international
schools who are diagnosed as having a learning disability is also
available. Services are offered in central Tokyo as well as the
Mitaka campus.
The Employee Welfare Association (EWA) operates a preschool
program on the Embassy housing compound. Classes are organized by
age for children who are 2-, 3- and 4-years old by September 30.
Parents of prospective preschool children are requested to notify
Children’s Services by July 15. Please notify The Director, EWA
Children’s Services, Unit 45004, Box 238, APO AP 96337-5004; e-mail:
ewatokyo@gol.com
The EWA also offers an afternoon playgroup.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Exceptional opportunities exist in Tokyo for higher education and
for training in Japanese arts and crafts. Each institution has its
own admission requirements; courses can be followed as part of a
degree program or for enrichment.
Sophia University, a Jesuit institution, has an international
division that offers accredited courses in English and comparative
cultures, leading to bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Both part-time
and full-time study is possible, and all courses are in late
afternoon or evening.
Temple University Japan, established in the early 1980s, is a
branch of Temple University of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In the
fall of 1987, the school moved into a new building in Shinjuku,
which include such facilities as classrooms, a library, a language
laboratory, and an auditorium. Temple offers bachelors degrees in
the liberal arts and masters degrees in teaching
English-as-a-second- language and business administration. Classes
take place days and evenings.
International Christian University is about 20 miles from the
center of Tokyo. It is an interdenominational school offering
courses in English in all of its divisions-humanities, social
sciences, natural sciences, and languages. The Bachelor of Arts
degree requires competency in Japanese, which can be acquired at the
university by taking an intensive program. Night courses are not
offered.
The University of Maryland, in cooperation with the Armed Forces,
offers night courses at the undergraduate and some graduate levels.
Although these courses are offered primarily to military personnel,
Embassy staff members also are eligible. Courses currently are given
at Camp Zama and Yokota Air Force Base. The commuting distance is
from 1 to 1-1/2 hours from Tokyo by train.
Many opportunities exist for participation in adult classes in
painting, sumie painting, ikebana (flower arrangement), woodcarving,
doll making, pottery, and other Japanese crafts. Lessons in Japanese
and Chinese cooking, music, and dancing can also be taken.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Japanese are sports lovers and participate in virtually every
sport popular in the West in addition to their own. The foreigner is
welcomed, either as an active participant or as a spectator, and
sports are effective avenues for establishing social and informal
contacts with the Japanese people.
The most popular spectator sport of Western origin in Japan is
baseball; the Tokyo pro teams play to sellout crowds nearly every
day in season, and the annual Japan World Series championship team
often gives visiting American teams stiff competition. Ranking in
spectator popularity is the traditional Japanese wrestling or sumo.
Fans include foreigners and Japanese alike, and tickets to the major
tournaments held throughout the year are hard to find. Local
television broadcasts both baseball and sumo events. Other popular
spectator sports include soccer, rugby, gymnastics, swimming and
diving competitions, and the Japanese martial arts exhibitions and
matches. In addition to judo and karate, the arts include kendo
(fencing with bamboo swords), Aikido (self-defense emphasizing
physical conditioning and mind over matter), and Japanese longbow
archery. You can study any of the martial arts in Tokyo under the
most famous instructors. Judo instructions are available to Mission
employees on the compound.
Golf is very popular in Japan. The courses are excellent and
playable year round. Public courses are relatively few, and
membership in the private Japanese clubs is prohibitively expensive.
The U.S. military has three 18-hole golf courses at Tama, Zama, and
Atsugi, all from 1 to 1-1/2 hours’ drive from downtown Tokyo.
Membership is open to all Mission employees and their families, and
dues are reasonable. Nonmembers can play by paying a nominal greens
fee. The American Embassy Golf Club of Tokyo is open to all American
and Japanese employees of the Mission and their dependents. About
five tournaments are held each year on Japanese and American
holidays at military and Japanese golf courses. Golfers bringing a
letter certifying their handicap at a previous golf club will be
considered by the handicap committee for an "in-Japan" handicap.
The Embassy has two hard-surface tennis courts (both doubles) on
the grounds of the apartment compound. They are lighted for
nighttime play. Among the Mission staff and family members is an
active group of tennis players. The city has few public tennis and
badminton courts. Private clubs have long waiting lists and are
expensive. The apartment compound has a racquetball court. Many
Japanese recreational centers and clubs feature table tennis.
The major hotels have swimming pools and clubs; memberships are
available but costs are relatively high. In the complex of the
Olympic sports facilities are two Olympic-sized pools and a
high-diving area open to the public. The New Sanno Hotel has an
outdoor pool available to Embassy personnel. The apartment compound
also has an Olympic-sized pool and a children's wading pool, open
year round to all Mission staff and families. The pool has a
retractable cover and is heated. Lifeguards are only on duty during
the summer months.
Beaches and water in the Tokyo area are polluted. However, nice
but crowded beaches are located along the coast south of Tokyo near
Kamakura on the Miura Peninsula, on the picturesque Izu Peninsula
about 80 miles from Tokyo, and the eastern coast of the Chiba
Peninsula about 60 miles from Tokyo. These areas abound in
picturesque fishing villages and dramatic scenery.
The Tokyo YMCA has a basketball court, swimming pool, and
facilities for volleyball and gymnastics. Also, Tokyo’s Olympic
Gymnasium facilities for these sports are open on a limited basis to
the public. Bowling is popular in Japan, and Tokyo has many centers.
Many Embassy personnel bowl weekly in an Embassy league that has two
seasons a year. Several indoor ice skating rinks in the city are
open year round and outdoor skating is popular on lakes and rinks
outside Tokyo during winter.
The mountain resort areas of Nikko and Hakone have facilities for
sailing and water-skiing. Commercial marinas, like Enoshima on
Sagami Bay, rent sailboats.
Skiing is excellent in Japan. Many ski areas are to the north and
northwest of Tokyo (3–6 hours by train), with areas for beginners
and experts. Accommodations range from luxurious lodges to skier
dormitories. Equipment can be rented, but large ski boots are
difficult to find.
Mountain climbing is also popular; you can join several hiking
clubs. Good hiking over mountain trails is within 2 hours by train
from Tokyo.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Japan’s rugged and beautiful terrain offers a great deal to
outdoor enthusiasts. Most scenic areas, including nearby Nikko and
Mt. Fuji, have been incorporated into an extensive national park
system. Hiking trails and good camping facilities abound. Hundreds
of low-priced hostels exist, many in isolated places. The hostels
are open to people of all ages, single or married.
Much of Japan is easily accessible from Tokyo on Japan’s
excellent rail transportation system. The historic Kyoto-Nara area,
with its hundreds of shrines and their typical Japanese gardens, can
be reached by Shinkansen (super express trains) in about 3 hours.
Shinkansen to Kyushu, southern Japan, takes about 7 hours. Northern
Japan is a day’s journey by train. Domestic airlines will take you
to most major cities in Honshu, Shikoku, Hokkaido, and Kyushu or
Okinawa within a few hours. Travel by air, rail and car tends to be
expensive.
Within hours by car or rail from Tokyo are the many hot-spring
mountain resorts of the Hakone Range near Mt. Fuji, beautiful Nikko
National Park with its famous shrines of the Tokugawa Shoguns; and
northwest of Tokyo, Nagano Prefecture, popular winter sports center.
These resort areas offer excellent recreational facilities and fine
Western and Japanese-style hotels.
Shimoda, at the tip of the Izu Peninsula (about 3 hours from
Tokyo by express train), is of historic interest as the site of the
first American Consulate in Japan, opened by Townsend Harris in
1856.
Nearby Tokyo is Kamakura, which is also of great historical
interest with its many 12th- and 13th-century shrines and temples
and the famed Great Buddha.
Added incentives to travel are the many colorful festivals that
take place throughout Japan, especially during the summer. Timing a
trip to coincide with a festival or witnessing some of the many
festivals held in Tokyo can add greatly to your experience.
In all the major cities and many of the others are Western-style
hotels with facilities ranging from acceptable to adequate. A stay
in a Japanese-style inn or Ryokan can be most interesting. Ryokans
are usually more expensive than first-class Western-style hotels,
but the attentive service given guests is almost unequaled anywhere
in the world. The guest must be prepared, however, to sleep on
tatami mats and eat Japanese food.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Tokyo is one of the entertainment capitals of the world. It
offers an infinite variety of nightlife from the most deluxe and
expensive clubs and spectacular music hall revues to jazz
coffeehouses and working-class restaurants. Restaurants are
everywhere. Hardly a street in the city does not have at least one
Japanese restaurant specializing in tempura (shrimp, fish, and
various vegetables deep fried in oil), sushi (raw fish or shrimp in
a small rice mold wrapped in a special kind of seaweed), and
sukiyaki, perhaps the best-known Japanese food among foreigners.
Many nice restaurants feature international cuisine or regional
specialties (Chinese, French, American, Russian, Italian, Korean, or
Spanish). Tokyo also has a variety of fast-food chains, both
Japanese and such American favorites as McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger
King, Shakey’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut. Recent casual
restaurant additions include Outback Steakhouse and TGI Friday’s.
Prices in the restaurants range from moderate to extremely
expensive. One of the best ways to sample the restaurants in Tokyo
is at lunchtime when a meal costs half as much when served in the
evening.
Tokyo is the center of the Kabuki and Noh theaters. Two major
theaters in Tokyo present Kabuki, and usually at least two
productions are playing at any one time. Several productions of Noh
and the classical Japanese comedy, Kyogen, are shown every week. The
famous Bunraku Puppet Theater of Osaka visits Tokyo regularly.
Tokyo has nine symphony orchestras that perform year round,
several ballet and opera companies, and many chamber groups and
individual artists. With these choices, and with the constant stream
of visiting foreign orchestras, ballet and opera companies, and
individual artists, it has become one of the world’s music centers.
However, ticket prices are expensive.
Tokyo Weekender and Tokyo Classified, periodic publications
especially for foreign residents or tourists in the city, present
useful information on what is happening in music and the theater in
Tokyo and describes various events going on throughout Japan. Copies
are available at the Embassy, at the compound commissary, and at the
New Sanno Hotel.
Tokyo is also the center of Japan’s contemporary art life.
Several museums have fine collections of Japanese and Western arts,
and innumerable small galleries present showings of Japanese and
foreign artists. The major department stores often sponsor art
exhibitions. The Tokyo Museum of Modern Art each year has several
large foreign exhibitions of international significance.
The Western Theater in Tokyo attracts much interest and activity.
Most foreign plays are translated and presented in Japanese. The
Tokyo International Players, an international English-language
amateur group, produces several plays and readings during their
October–May season. American and other foreign movies, shown with
Japanese subtitles, are quite popular in Tokyo. They are, however,
expensive. The English-language press carries detailed schedules.
American movies are shown on Sunday afternoons and evenings at the
New Sanno Hotel.
Photography is a popular hobby for both still and video
enthusiasts. The Japanese are avid picture takers, and most
foreigners follow suit. Excellent Japanese cameras and accessories
are sold at the exchanges at reasonable prices. American film is
sold locally and at the exchanges, although Japanese film is also of
high quality. The military facilities do an excellent job of
developing and printing for black and white film and color
negatives, as do outlets on the local economy.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Outside the
Embassy community is the Tokyo American Club. It is a large,
long-established club to which many in the business community
belong. It has a restaurant and swimming pool. Fees are prohibitive.
The New Sanno Hotel, open to U.S. Government civilian employees,
has three restaurants and a snack bar, a cocktail lounge, a swimming
pool, and offers dancing, night-club shows, special events, and
movies.
Social life for employees is comparable to the social life
enjoyed in most large U.S. cities. Acquaintances and friends are
developed through contacts in the office, at clubs, churches, and
through friends.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
International Contacts Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Although
opportunities are numerous for making Japanese friends in Tokyo, it
does require a positive effort in most cases. This is partly
explained by the size of the city, the language barrier, and
differences in cultural background and personality between
Westerners and Japanese. Although the Japanese are not surprised
when Westerners remain aloof in the foreign colony, they are
delighted when a foreigner makes an effort to learn about their way
of life, e.g., by studying their various art forms, by traveling
Japanese-style, etc. One good way to make daily contact with the
Japanese more meaningful is to learn some of the language and
customs. Many official functions provide opportunities to meet
Japanese members of the diplomatic corps, and members of the private
community in Tokyo. In addition, a great number of organizations and
activities bring people together for both business and pleasure,
such as the American Chamber of Commerce, the Japan-America Society,
the Royal Asiatic Society, the International House, international
friendship clubs, and the Japanese alumni associations of many
American colleges and universities. Many organizations directed
either toward community welfare or cultural exchange provide
excellent opportunities to meet both Japanese women and women of
other nationalities, i.e., the College Women’s Association of Japan,
the Japan-American Women’s Club, the International Ladies Benevolent
Society, the International Social Service, and the Tokyo-Washington
Women’s Club. The latter club meets several times a year and offers
monthly or biweekly meetings of various small interest groups such
as golf, bridge, chorus, ink painting, flower arranging, and doll
making.
Classes in Japanese arts and crafts are also readily available
throughout the city and serve both to broaden your circle of friends
and your knowledge of the culture of Japan. These classes are not
offered solely for foreigners, since the formal study of various
aspects of Japanese culture has traditionally been popular for
Japanese as well.
An excellent way to make Japanese friends is to offer classes in
English conversation. These classes are not difficult to arrange.
Another way to make Japanese friends is to participate in the
American Orientation Program sponsored by the Fulbright Commission
for Japanese scholarship students going to the U.S. to study.
Official Functions
Nature of Functions Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Chief of Mission and senior officers entertain and are
entertained by high-ranking Japanese officials, senior officers of
the diplomatic missions, leading members of the business community,
and American military officers. Cocktail parties, dinners, and other
forms of home entertainment are popular. Large receptions are held
on national days and other appropriate occasions by the diplomatic
missions. On occasion, these events may be for the employees only
with spouses not included.
Middle- and junior-level officers generally follow the same
pattern of social life but on a reduced scale.
Official Functions
Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Appearing at Japanese functions is an important part of
representation. Official invitations are accepted whenever possible.
Invitations to official functions given by other countries
accredited to Japan also are accepted if possible. Contact with
people of these countries is also a part of representation.
Japanese at every level of the government and business community
commonly exchange business cards at a first meeting. Cards printed
in English on one side and Japanese on the other side can be ordered
locally.
Special Information Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
FSI Yokohama-Field School. Yokohama is Japan’s second largest
city, with a population of 3.3 million, and is part of the Kanto
metropolitan area centered on Tokyo. Yokohama was one of the first
Japanese ports to open to Western trade, and today is one of the
world’s busiest shipping ports, with a cosmopolitan flavor and a
large international population. Despite being a large, industrial
city, Yokohama retains a pleasant atmosphere and is relatively close
to a number of sightseeing and recreation areas, such as the ancient
capital of Kamakura, the hot spring resorts at Hakone, and Mount
Fuji.
The FSI Field School and student housing are in a suburban area
close to downtown Yokohama and the port. Central Tokyo and the
Embassy are about 1-1/2 away by car or train. The school’s
neighborhood, called Yamate, occupies a ridge overlooking the
harbor. It features several parks and historic sites related to the
opening of the port to foreign trade and the early foreign community
in Yokohama.
Students and their families usually live in the Honmoku area,
about 15 minutes from the school on foot. This neighborhood hosts a
commercial center with a wide variety of stores, restaurants and
entertainment. A 15-minute drive from student housing is the U.S.
Navy’s Negishi Housing Area, which has an elementary school, a small
PX and commissary, medical and dental clinic, gas station, post
office, library, and recreation facilities. Larger bases with more
extensive facilities are 1–2 hours away by car.
Yokohama’s climate is essentially the same as Tokyo’s, with hot,
humid summers and mild winters.
Japanese Language and Area Training Center. FSI Yokohama is an
overseas field school of the State Department’s Foreign Service
Institute, offering intensive, full-time language instruction to
U.S. Government civilian and military officials, their spouses, and
in some cases diplomats from third countries. State Department
students and their dependents are in diplomatic status while
attending the school. FSI Yokohama normally teaches the second year
of a 2-year intensive Japanese program designed to bring students to
the S3/R3 level or better. However, the school can accommodate
students at all levels, from beginner to highly advanced. Enrollment
varies from year to year between roughly 10 and 25, and classes are
very small—usually two or three students to one instructor.
FSI Yokohama’s excellent teaching staff is small but highly
experienced. The faculty has created many texts and reference
materials in-house, and continues to innovate in both teaching
methods and course content. In recent years, the school has adopted
a number of computer-based interactive teaching materials.
Instructors can help students in finding opportunities to use
Japanese outside the classroom as well, through local sport or hobby
groups, travel and language exchanges. The school has a library of
language texts and reference works, books in English about Japan,
Japanese literature in the original and in translation, and
videotapes in Japanese. The Director and the school’s two
administrative employees assist students with arrival and departure,
shipping, personnel matters, arrangements for utilities and other
services, and advice on shopping, transportation, and other
questions students may have.
The school’s contact information is as follows:
Address: 152-3 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku Yokohama 231-0862 Japan Phone:
81-45-622-6514 or 6515 Fax: 81-45-622-6516 FPO address: FSI Field
School PSC 472 Box 2 FPO AP 96348-1100 U.S. military DSN phone:
242-4826
Students normally have 6 hours of class per day, including time
in the language lab. The school day is from 8:40 am to 3:30 pm, but
may extend later for special events such as field trips and guest
speakers. One afternoon a month is usually set aside as
administrative time, allowing students to visit the Embassy if
necessary to take care of administrative matters or consult with the
offices where they will work after graduation. The school year
typically runs from mid- August to late June, but if necessary the
school can accommodate off-cycle programs as well.
Taking advantage of its location in country, the school arranges
frequent field trips to places of interest to students for their
ultimate assignments in Japan. These may include government offices,
political party conventions, newspapers and TV stations, Japan
Self-Defense Force facilities, factories or museums. The class may
take overnight field trips out of town to experience some of the
variety of Japanese society, particularly the more traditional
culture found in rural areas. Many students also do a week-long
practicum, working on a volunteer basis in a Japanese business or
institution to gain experience in practical use of the language and
in social interaction. A series of guest lectures, in both English
and Japanese, offers further insights into Japan’s politics, economy
and society. Other, optional events, such as attending a sumo match
or traditional Japanese theater, are open to students’ families as
well.
State Department spouses who have completed the first year of
Japanese training at FSI or who have scored S-2/R-2 in Japanese are
eligible to enroll in the full-time program. The employee must make
arrangements ahead of time through the Office of Career Development
and Assignments.
FSI Yokohama’s pleasant environment, quality of instruction, and
many opportunities to explore Japanese society can make a training
assignment here a productive and enjoyable experience.
Housing. State Department students live in furnished,
government-leased apartments or houses within walking distance of
FSI. Students move directly into permanent quarters upon arrival in
Japan. The residences are in a nice neighborhood with good sidewalks
and plenty of greenery, features not always found in Japan, even in
suburbs. The local shopping area is just a few minutes’ walk away.
The housing is near several bus lines, but is not within easy
walking distance of any train station.
The homes are modern and comfortable, but somewhat small by
American standards, and have little storage space. Most have a
living/dining room, two or three bedrooms, and a tatami room.
Housing in Yokohama is generally smaller than what the housing
students will move to in Tokyo or at one of the consulates after
graduation. Thus, students may want to consider packing two separate
shipments—one to go to Yokohama and one to remain in storage until
the student reaches the final post of assignment. The homes are
furnished with furniture and major appliances, but the
appliances—washer, dryer, refrigerator, oven—are often smaller than
American equivalents. Most homes do not have a dishwasher. Most
residences include parking space for one car and storage space for
bicycles. Electricity in the homes is 100v, 50hz. A few American
appliances with electric motors or time-keeping devices may not run
at the correct speed, but most are not affected. TV is NTSC, as in
the U.S., and most student homes get satellite channels as well.
Students should ship their own vacuum cleaners, irons, and ironing
boards. Pets are allowed in most of the housing, but repair charges
are likely to be high for even minor damage caused by pets. Students
should inform the school beforehand if they plan to bring a pet.
The Director lives in a four-bedroom, 3-1/2-bath house attached
to the school building. The house and school are on a quiet,
tree-lined lot atop a hill. Because of the hill and a lack of
sidewalks, the area is not as easy to get around on foot as is the
neighborhood where students live. The Director has a parking space
for a personally owned vehicle at the school, but there is no garage
or enclosed storage for items like bicycles. The house is furnished
and has American-size major appliances, including a dishwasher. One
of the bedrooms is suitable for use as maid’s quarters, as it has an
attached bath and a second entrance via the school building.
Food. Students typically do the bulk of their grocery shopping on
U.S. bases, where prices for most items are much lower than on the
local economy. Local grocery stores, however, are more convenient to
student housing and have a better selection of fresh foods such as
produce, meat, fish, and baked goods. Local stores also carry
premium imported items such as cheeses and wines, but at high
prices.
The Honmoku area offers a number of Japanese- and Western-style
restaurants, including several family restaurants. Farther afield,
you can find restaurants serving just about any kind of cuisine in
and around downtown Yokohama.
FSI does not have a cafeteria, but has a kitchen with a
refrigerator and microwave ovens. Most students bring lunch or walk
down the hill to a local restaurant.
Clothing. Dress at FSI Yokohama is generally casual, although
some special events, such as field trips or guest speakers, will
call for business attire. The selection of clothes sold on U.S.
bases is limited. Japanese clothing prices vary from near U.S.
prices to much higher, depending on the item and outlet, and larger
sizes may be hard to find. Most students bring with them the
clothing they will need for the year or shop from catalogs.
Supplies and Services. Between local stores and U.S. military
PXs, students can usually find most things they need nearby,
although it sometimes takes more of a search than in the U.S., and
prices may be higher. Yokohama has a growing number of large U.S.
specialty retailers (e.g., Toys R Us, Sports Authority) within a
30-minute drive from student housing, although the selection of
goods differs somewhat from the same stores in the U.S. Catalog and
Internet shopping are also popular.
Services such as drycleaning, hair styling, and photo developing
are available on- and off-base. The on-base outlets are often run as
concessions by local businesses, so the prices may not be much lower
than in more convenient local shops.
Health-care options include the Embassy Health Unit, the U.S.
Navy’s medical and dental clinics at Negishi and hospital at
Yokosuka, local medical and dental clinics with English-speaking
staff near FSI, and larger local hospitals, which may not have
English-speaking staff.
Students receive FPO mail at the school and can receive Japanese
and international mail at home and at school. Pre-stamped mail of
any kind can be sent from the school. A Japanese post office is a
few minutes’ walk from student housing, and the FPO at Negishi is
convenient for mailing packages to the U.S.
Phone service is good but expensive. Pre-paid phone cards,
however, offer calls to the U.S. for as little as 15› per minute.
Students can use Embassy IVG to call the U.S., but to do so, first
call the Embassy from Yokohama, negating much of the savings. The
cheapest option may depend on time of day and destination called
(e.g., the tie-line advantage is greatest when calling the
Washington, D.C. area). Home e-mail and Internet service is
available at a cost, and quality is comparable to that in the U.S.
In Japan, however, even local calls are metered, so extended
Internet use will result in a high phone bill. Cell phones are
available locally at reasonable rates.
Domestic help is very expensive in Japan. Student housing
generally does not include rooms convenient to use as maid’s
quarters.
Religious Activities. In addition to numerous Buddhist temples
and Shinto shrines, the neighborhoods around FSI are home to several
Catholic and Protestant churches. Most of the churches serve
international congregations and offer services in English. Religious
services are also offered at Negishi and other U.S. bases.
Education. Children in kindergarten through sixth grade usually
attend the R. E. Byrd DODDS Elementary School at the Negishi Housing
Area (PSC 472 Box 12, FPO AP 96348-0005). It is a small school, less
than 200 students total, in a modern facility on a quiet residential
street. School bus service is available from within a few blocks of
most of the FSI student housing.
Middle and high school students usually attend St. Maur
International School (83 Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-8654
Japan, www.stmaur.ac.jp) or Yokohama International School (258
Yamate-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0862 Japan, www.yis.ac.jp). Both
are coeducational day schools, and both are about a 30-minute walk
from the student housing area. St. Maur is operated by the Sisters
of the Infant Jesus, a Catholic order, and is accredited by the
Western Association of Schools and Colleges. YIS is an independent
nonsectarian school, and is accredited by the New England
Association of Colleges and Schools.
Both the international schools include kindergarten and
elementary grades as well. However, the State Department educational
allowance for kindergarten through sixth grade for Yokohama is set
to cover the cost of the Byrd School, which is considerably lower
than either international school. Families electing to send
kindergarten or elementary schoolchildren to one of the
international schools would have to pay several thousand dollars per
year per child above the Department allowance. The allowance for
grades 7–12 is higher and covers the cost of either St. Maur or YIS.
There are several pre-kindergarten options, but most are fairly
expensive. The Byrd School offers one year of pre-kindergarten, but
class size is limited and space might not be available for children
of non-DOD families. The two international schools offer pre-school
classes, and some FSI families have sent children to local Japanese
pre-schools.
The Yokohama area offers a wealth of opportunities for
instruction in both traditional Japanese and Western arts, crafts,
music, drama, and sports. Many of these classes can be found within
walking distance of student housing. Extension programs of U.S.
universities are offered on the larger military bases, but long
commutes make participation difficult for those living in Yokohama.
Recreation and Social Life. The neighborhood around the student
housing offers good routes for walking, jogging, or bicycling.
Neighborhood playgrounds are within a block or two of all student
housing. Facilities at the Negishi Housing Area, available to USG
personnel free or at low cost, include a pool (summer only), tennis
courts, weight room, bowling, a basketball court, and instruction in
various sports for children and adults. A municipal sports center a
few minutes walk from FSI has a weight room, basketball and
volleyball courts, and classes for martial arts and other sports,
usually for a small per-visit fee. A public park within walking
distance of FSI has an outdoor pool open in summer with a reasonable
entry fee.
A commercial sports club a few blocks from student housing offers
year-round swimming as well as a weight room, aerobics classes and
other facilities. Rates are around 6,000 to 10,000 per month,
depending on the hours and days of use. The Yokohama Country and
Athletic Club, near the Negishi housing area, offers more extensive
indoor and outdoor sports facilities, but membership fees are high.
The Negishi housing area has a library, and a public library a
few blocks from student housing has a large selection of
English-language books for children and adults. Yokohama boasts a
wide variety of museums, concert halls, theaters, and cinemas.
Cinemas are much more expensive than in the U.S., but video rentals
are close to American prices. American movies are often available in
English with Japanese subtitles.
Yokohama in general and the area around FSI in particular have a
large international population, and local Japanese residents tend to
be very open to foreigners. Most students and family members, even
those who speak little or no Japanese, have few problems making
friends. One of the greatest advantages of a year at FSI Yokohama is
the chance to interact with Japanese people socially and practice
the language in a variety of settings. Students will have number of
such opportunities through school events such as field trips and
language exchanges, but all are encouraged to get out on their own
and enjoy the city and its people as much as possible.
Employment for Spouses and Dependents. Spouses and dependents of
State Department personnel at FSI Yokohama fall under the same
employment rules that cover the Embassy community (see "The Host
Country—Employment for Spouses and Dependents"). However, there are
no spouse employment opportunities within FSI Yokohama, and jobs at
the Embassy would require a long and expensive commute. English
teaching or editing jobs and positions on a U.S. base or at one of
the international schools would be the most likely sources of
employment for any spouse who does not speak Japanese.
Post Orientation Program
An orientation program is held every fall for new personnel,
spouses, and other adult family members. It encompasses
presentations by the Ambassador, DCM, and other senior officers and
is designed to acquaint the newcomer with the Mission's activities
and objectives; U.S.-Japanese relationships in the economic,
political, security, and scientific fields; and the Embassy's role
in community activities.
The Embassy administers a post-language program that provides
elementary, intermediate, and advanced Japanese-language instruction
to U.S.-Government personnel and adult family members on a
space-available basis. Instruction given in small groups of five or
six persons is available on a 1-hour daily basis, usually in the
morning. Even on this basis, you can make surprising progress over
an extended period. With even an elementary knowledge of the
language you can get around-shop, travel, ask directions, and carry
on simple conversation.
Consulate General - Naha, Okinawa
Post City Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Okinawa is the largest of the Ryukyu Islands, a chain that
extends from Kyushu to Taiwan. Okinawa Prefecture (which includes
the southern part of the archipelago) derives its name from the main
island. Naha, the prefectural capital, is also located on the main
island. The island of Okinawa is 70 miles long and on average 7
miles wide. It has over 1 million inhabitants, including about
50,000 U.S. military personnel and their families. Another 200,000
people live on the outlying islands. Naha is 800 miles southwest of
Tokyo, 350 miles northeast of Taipei, and 750 miles north of Manila.
Although it is part of Japan, Okinawa has a distinct history and
identity. It was once an independent kingdom, with a language and
culture of its own, and paid tribute to the Chinese emperors. Even
today, it differs from mainland Japan as climate, diet, customs, and
other aspects of life shade into those of Southeast Asia. Okinawa
officially became a part of Japan in the 1870s, and many of the
Japanese emigrants to Hawaii and South America at the turn of the
century actually came from Okinawa.
The island was the scene of the last major U.S.-Japanese battle
of the Second World War, a battle in which about one-third of the
Okinawan population was killed. From 1945 to 1972, Okinawa was under
U.S. administration. The war and occupation left the Okinawan people
with strong reservations about the use of military force. It is a
source of friction that this small, crowded island is home to a
large concentration of U.S. and—to a much lesser extent—Japan Self
Defense Forces.
Climate. Okinawa’s climate resembles that found along the South
Carolina coast. Winters are comfortable but cool at night and at the
shore. Spring and fall are delightful. Summers are long, hot, and
humid. Okinawa often experiences typhoons or strong tropical storms
in the fall and occasionally heavy weather in the spring.
Accordingly, most buildings are low and built of concrete.
Whenever annual rainfall is less than the normal 80 inches, water
rationing is necessary. As of late 2000, there had been no rationing
since a 21-day period in the winter of 1994.
Okinawa has a full complement of semitropical insects and
reptiles, including the habu, a very aggressive, poisonous species
of snake. Although Okinawan field workers and small animals are
occasional snakebite victims, no consular personnel have experienced
problems with snakes in recent memory. Prudence, however, especially
at night, is the watchword; 200 to 250 snakebites are reported
annually. Ants, spiders, fleas, ticks, rodents, and other small
pests have from time to time caused minor problems. Small lizards
called geckos are a standard part of the exterior and interior
landscapes.
U.S. Military. American life on Okinawa is heavily influenced by
the presence of 50,000 U.S. military personnel and their families.
The military bases offer a full range of American-style
conveniences, shopping, education, and leisure activities. Some
neighborhoods just outside the larger bases resemble similar
communities in the U.S., with shops, restaurants, car lots, and bars
catering to service members.
Although many Americans make an effort to experience Okinawan
culture, most focus the vast majority of their activities on base
and within the American community. This is partly attributable to
the fact that, despite many years of association with Americans,
relatively few Okinawans can converse easily in English. The decline
of the dollar against the yen has also made it more expensive to
venture off-base for shopping or entertainment. At the same time,
few Americans-most of them on short assignments—acquire a working
competence in Japanese.
The U.S. Navy operates a hospital, and the Air Force a clinic,
but the cost for civilians for nearly all forms of treatment is
higher than at local hospitals. Off-base, only one
hospital—Adventist Medical Center—has an English-speaking medical
staff. For dental care, the only reasonable option is at an off-base
clinic, such as Adventist’s, because civilians are a low priority at
military facilities and prices are far higher than off-base.
Public Institutions
As a Japanese prefecture, Okinawa elects a governor and
legislative assembly every 4 years. Local branches of conservative
and reformist political parties vie for power, with the electorate
divided roughly between the two broad persuasions. Anti-base
sentiments and desires for base reductions are widespread among the
Okinawan people, but anti-Americanism is very rare. Individual
Americans rarely encounter expressions of hostility.
Okinawa receives the largest part of its income from the Japanese
central government as transfer payments; tourism contributes about
12%; and direct, military-related spending accounts for about 6% of
prefectural income. The U.S. military presence is less important to
Okinawa’s prosperity than it once was, and some Okinawans argue that
in fact it hinders the island’s development prospects.
The conduct and stationing of U.S. military personnel on Okinawa
are subject to the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). All
four services are represented. These forces assist in the defense of
Japan according to the terms of the Mutual Security Treaty and have
regional responsibilities that take them throughout the western
Pacific area on exercises and training missions.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Consulate General is staffed by five American officers
(consul general, political/military officer, administrative/consular
officer, public affairs officer, and JO consular officer). The
secretary/communicator is a locally hired American citizen. The
Japanese staff numbers 14 State employees. Guards, grounds-keepers,
and janitors are provided on a contract basis.
The post derives most of its work from the presence of the large
American military community. That work has an extensive
political/military component which involves reporting, advising, and
other close interaction with military authorities. It also involves
representational and other contacts with Japanese Government
officials and a wide range of Okinawans. Additionally, the post has
an active public affairs agenda and conducts commercial and economic
programs. Finally, Naha is the only full-service consular post in
Japan other than the Embassy. It is one of the top 10 passport
issuing posts worldwide and processes more immigrant visas—mainly to
military family members—than most medium-sized U.S. embassies in
Europe.
The Consulate General is located about 10 minutes by car south of
the Futenma Marine Corps Air Station and 30 minutes north of Naha.
The Consulate General office, situated on a well-landscaped plot of
land with a large parking lot, was constructed in 1987. Three
stories high, with central air-conditioning, the building includes
consular and administrative work areas, consular waiting room,
offices, storerooms, employee lounge, conference room, public
affairs offices and a commercial/PAS library. Primary administrative
support comes from Embassy Tokyo. The post has five assigned
vehicles: the consul general’s sedan, two other sedans, an SUV, and
a utility van. FPO is provided by nearby USMC bases.
Addresses and telephone numbers are:
American Consulate General 2564 Nishihara, Urasoe City Okinawa,
Japan 901-2101
American Consulate General Naha PSC 556 Box 840 FPO AP 96386-0840
81-98-876-4211 (telephone from overseas) 81-98-876-4243 (fax from
overseas) 645-7323 (Defense Switched Network) 645-2861 (DSN fax)
The Consulate General is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5
p.m., except on Japanese and American official holidays. The
Consular Section is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
No duty personnel are in the building after normal working hours. A
duty officer may be contacted through the U.S. Air Force Command
Post at 81-98-939-1542, or 81-98-938-1111 ext. 634-1800.
New personnel are authorized 1 day for consultations in Tokyo en
route to Naha. (An incoming consul general may be authorized 2 days
for consultations at CINCPAC in Honolulu.) Embassy consultations
include administrative check-in procedures, Embassy ID card
issuance, and security briefing. Upon arrival in Okinawa, new
personnel are issued military ID cards. Domestic flight reservations
are sometimes difficult to obtain on short notice, so travelers
should book confirmed seats to Naha (airport code: OKA) well in
advance of planned travel.
Consign shipments to American Consulate General Naha, Okinawa,
Japan. The post cashier is not authorized to perform accommodation
exchange, but yen may be purchased at local banks or on base.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
New personnel normally move into existing leased housing upon
arrival. If required, temporary lodging within per diem rates is
available at nearby hotels, in furnished short-term apartments, or
in visiting officers’ quarters on base. Arrangements are made case
by case.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Naha’s housing is government leased and fully furnished. The
houses have adequate furniture and appliances, are equipped with
telephones, and are in good repair. All quarters have a washer and
dryer, air-conditioning, dehumidifiers, gas or electric stoves and
microwave ovens. Bring kitchen items, TV, stereo, and personal
items. Alternatively, these can be purchased easily at the PX or BX.
Modern housing suitable to Western tastes and within allowable
housing budgets is difficult to find on Okinawa.
The consul general’s home is about 5 minutes away from the office
and rests on a ridge overlooking the East China Sea. The house is
also situated near the Marine air station runway, which can be both
exciting and distracting. The 26-year-old dwelling has four
bedrooms, two- and one-half bathrooms, a large living room, a dining
room, servant’s quarters, a garage, a covered patio, and a walled-in
yard. China, sterling silver, glassware, and some linens are also
provided for the comfort and representational obligations of the
consul general and his/her family. A specific inventory is available
from the post upon request.
For other personnel, the Consulate General leases detached homes
in a 30-year-old Southern California-style subdivision on another
ridge, 30 minutes north of the office. Each house has a garage and
yard, three bedrooms, two- and-one-half baths, and living and dining
rooms. Each house has an extensive view, overlooking the ocean. Lawn
service is available, or a lawn mower and weed-eater may be shipped
with HHE or purchased locally. Storage space in homes is more than
adequate.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Electricity on Okinawa is 100 volt, 60 cycles, with American
standard wiring. American appliances such as fans, microwaves,
radios, lamps, TVs and VCRs usually operate without problem, but the
Consulate General does provide step-up transformers for large
appliances. Although some TV programs on Japanese stations are
bilingual, a U.S. bilingual set will not work. A special FM receiver
can be purchased locally for about $100. Locally available rental
videotapes are VHS. The electric supply at post housing is reliable.
Telephone calls to the U.S. are relatively inexpensive, but internet
service is somewhat costlier than in other countries since local
calls are charged by the minute. During water shortages, water is
rationed, and the tapwater is not potable. Water storage tanks are
provided in each house to alleviate the strain during these periods.
Washing machines and dryers are provided.
Food Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
American Consulate General Naha personnel are authorized access
to Okinawa’s several U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. In
many respects commissary prices and selection match those of a U.S.
supermarket. Fresh fruits and vegetables from the U.S., however, are
rare, and commissaries sometimes stock local items that failed to
sell in off-base markets. Dairy products such as milk, cottage
cheese, and sour cream are ultra-pasteurized for extended shelf life
but still sometimes spoil prior to their expiration date. Moreover,
specific items may be out of stock for extended periods or disappear
from shelves soon after arrival. Japanese grocery stores offer a
better selection of high-quality produce but at much higher prices.
There is no need to import anything except perhaps ethnic or
specialty cooking ingredients and spices. American and other wines
and liquors are available both on- and off- base.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Bring clothing suitable for the Carolinas, including warm
jackets. Clothes can be purchased at the exchange (akin to Walmart
or Sears in selection, but with slightly higher prices), at local
shops catering to foreigners (where prices are very high), or
through catalog mail orders. Bring special sizes or brand names, or
plan to shop by mail. Japanese adult clothing is expensive and comes
only in small sizes. Drycleaning and laundry service is available on
the military bases through Japanese concessions, so prices are the
same as at off-base facilities. American officers are invited to
several black-tie functions throughout the year, so a tuxedo or
formal wear for women is very useful.
Clothing
Men Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Post personnel either wear a suit to work or shirt/tie and keep a
jacket in the office. The post exchanges have a selection of ties,
blazers, underwear, casual clothing, and shoes. Slacks, good shirts,
jackets, and suits are best mail-ordered or brought to post. Dark
blue or gray suits are worn to Japanese functions. After work,
normal U.S. leisure clothing is fine, bearing in mind that Japanese
tend to dress conservatively.
Clothing
Women Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Consulate General employees should dress as professionals would
in Washington, D.C. Cotton and other lightweight dresses and
accessories are suitable for summer wear. Afternoon and evening wear
is similar to that worn in the U.S., though depending on the
occasion, more variety and less formality is seen. Scarves, jackets,
and wraps are practical during the cool months. Lightweight wool
suits and dresses are worn, as well as coats, jackets, and sweaters.
The exchanges stock a variety of women’s clothes, as do local
department stores and shops, although prices are high and sizes
limited in the latter. Many American women prefer to order from
catalogs.
Clothing
Children Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Children dress as they would in the U.S. As with adults, shopping
for children’s clothing is usually accomplished through a
combination of the military exchange, local stores, and mail order.
The supplies available on the island are adequate, but the range of
choice in both style and pace is often limited. Kids have the most
luck in Japanese department stores, although prices are higher than
in the U.S.
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Okinawa’s large military exchanges have a wide selection of U.S.
products at stateside prices, and sales on electronic products and
clothing are frequent. Larger bases have bookstores with a variety
of book and magazine titles. Twenty-four hour shoppettes feature
items stocked at the exchange and commissaries, at somewhat higher
prices. Film processing is available at on-base concessions, but at
prices slightly higher than off base. Barber and beauty shops on
base offer U.S.-style services, but at Japanese prices. Standard
men’s haircuts are less expensive, but remember to alert the barber
if you don’t want a "high and tight!"
Daytime domestic help is available, though for most employees it
is relatively expensive when compared to that available in
developing countries. Veterinarian services are available on and off
base; the on-base facility is a concession and charges local prices.
The military exchange allows check cashing, but employees often
open U.S. dollar accounts with the military contract bank, Community
Bank of Texas. The 24-hour ATM machines dispense dollars and yen at
numerous locations on all bases, though without a local account
transaction fees will be assessed. Navy Federal Credit Union and
Pentagon Federal Credit Union are also available on Marine Corps
bases and on Kadena Air Base, respectively. All three offer a range
of deposit and loan services, but only Community Bank also offers
conversion of dollars to yen. Credit Union ATMs dispense dollars
only.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Orthodox, and Muslim services are
offered on the military bases. Protestant services offered off-base
in English include Episcopalian, Lutheran, Baptist, Evangelical, and
other denominations. There are a number of Catholic churches
off-base, but not all offer masses in English.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Several English-language
school choices are available for children. The Department of Defense
operates two senior high schools, two middle schools, and several
elementary schools, offering a standard kindergarten through grade
12 American public school curriculum, athletic program, and after
school activities, as well as a range of special education
facilities.
The Okinawa Christian School is U.S. accredited and Protestant
affiliated, and offers a kindergarten through grade 12 curriculum
with American teachers and texts. It functions as the de facto
international school here for students who do not have access to DOD
schools but want an English-language education; nearly half of the
students come from non-Christian homes. The school is located in
Yomitan village, a fair distance from the Consulate General
residential areas; busing is available.
New Life Academy, which is not U.S. accredited, offers a
kindergarten through grade 6 academic curriculum with a Christian
focus. It is located in Okinawa City near Kadena Air Base.
Several Montessori pre-schools and kindergartens for children age
2–6 have been used by recent employees. All of the military bases
have day care facilities for younger children, but waiting lists are
long and military dependents are given preference. Some off-base day
care facilities include teaching components.
Education
Special Needs Education Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The following universities offer undergraduate and graduate
degrees on Okinawa through military base education offices:
Central Texas College: Associate of Applied Science (business
management, child development, computer technology, legal assistant,
other) University of Maryland: Associate of Arts (accounting,
Japanese studies, management, other); Bachelor of Arts (Asian
studies, business management, English, history, psychology,
sociology, other); Master of Education (counseling and personnel
services); teaching certification (secondary teaching) Michigan
State University: Master of Science (community service) University
of Oklahoma: Master of Arts (economics); Master of Human Relations;
Master of Public Administration Troy State University: Master of
Science (educational leadership, management). In addition, a wide
choice of on-base adult education courses and self-help shops are
available at low cost on subjects ranging from auto mechanics to
woodworking.
.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Okinawa offers a variety of excellent facilities for anyone
interested in taking up or playing a personal sport. The military
operates two golf courses, two driving ranges, numerous tennis
courts and bowling alleys, several gymnasiums, swimming pools and
beaches, a marina, and recreational shooting ranges. Instruction in
these sports as well as in karate, boxing and scuba diving is
available at competitive prices. All the facilities tend to be
crowded. The military also offers fishing boat parties. Off-base,
Okinawan bullfighting (bloodless, between two bulls), Japanese
professional baseball games during spring training, and marathon
running are options. There is an active Hash House Harriers
organization, with several runs/walks weekly.
The military bases offer a selection of youth activities: Cub/Boy
Scouts, Brownie/Girl Scouts, soccer, peewee basketball, Little
League baseball or t-ball, touch football, dance, gymnastics,
cheerleading, etc. Check with post if you have specific interests.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Although many of the Okinawan beaches consist of ground coral
mixed with sand, they are still one of the main attractions of a
tour here. The better beaches on Okinawa charge an admission fee,
but the military beaches are free. Wonderful islands just an hour
away and accessible by ferry boats are great for snorkeling and
diving. The northern half of Okinawa is sparsely populated and
features a beautiful coastline of mountains and coral reefs.
Unfortunately, all historical sites with the exception of ancient
castle ruins were leveled in the 1945 battle. Shuri Castle, home of
the most recent Okinawan monarch, has been rebuilt and is a major
tourist attraction, as are other, older castle ruins. A large
botanical garden and many well-maintained parks make Okinawa a
family-friendly place.
Okinawa is a small, crowded island far from the mainland, so
island fever can be a serious problem, especially given the
prohibitively high cost of traveling off island. Consulate General
personnel are authorized two R&R trips per 3-year tour (one trip per
2-year tour) to Hong Kong or CONUS, but do not qualify for military
space-available flights. International reservations from Okinawa to
Taipei, Seoul, Shanghai and Hong Kong (currently the only foreign
destinations) are often booked months in advance. No U.S. carriers
serve Okinawa. Northwest Airlines operates a ticketing office on
Okinawa, but connections must be made in Tokyo or Osaka.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All of the bases have movie theaters, with films usually shown a
month or two after they open in the U.S. Japanese movie theaters
show recent foreign films in the original language with Japanese
subtitles, but admission is quite expensive. Video rental shops on
and off-base offer wide selections. A military TV station with
standard U.S. programming, three Japanese TV commercial stations,
and one Japanese pubic TV station, may be picked up off-base with
roof antennas. The military also operates AM and FM radio stations.
Numerous cable TV packages are available but more expensive than
such services in the U.S.
Consular personnel may join military officers’ clubs (dues are
currently $8 per month each for the Marine Corps and Air Force
clubs), all of which feature restaurant service, frequent live (if
amateur) music shows, and occasional stand-up comedy acts. Other
eating establishments are found off-base at higher prices and
include numerous steak houses, Mexican, Korean, Chinese, Indian,
Thai, Italian, French, Argentine, pizza, fast food, and Japanese
restaurants. Prices are slightly lower than in Tokyo for comparable
meals. Bars and discos abound, though some refuse to cater to
non-Japanese. American musical groups sometimes visit Okinawa, but
these activities receive limited English-language publicity. Several
large and impressive concert halls offer cultural events throughout
the year.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM The 50,000
military personnel and family members on Okinawa focus most of their
activities on the bases. Because the Consulate General staff is
small and not part of the military establishment, military members
are often unfamiliar with their role. Consular personnel, moreover,
live apart from military personnel. Contacts with most Americans,
DOD personnel and others come from work, church, or through
children’s school activities. There is a small expatriate community
and international women’s clubs where English is spoken are active.
Other international contacts are more difficult, though not
impossible, without Japanese language ability.
Consulate General - Osaka-Kobe
Post City Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
One of the world’s greatest commercial cities, Osaka sits at the
center of the Kansai region, Japan’s traditional heartland and its
second largest economic center. From the 3rd century A.D., Osaka
(then called Naniwa), with its bay and magnificent river system, has
been the hub of inland traffic for the Kansai region and the center
of Japanese trade. Over the past 3 decades, Osaka has lost its
position as Japan’s premier commercial and industrial city to Tokyo.
But Osaka and the Kansai region still rank as one of the most
important economic regions in the world, and its economic output
exceeds that of most European countries and equals that of Canada.
Osaka is home to many of Japan’s most famous companies, including
Matsushita (Panasonic), Sharp, Sanyo, Suntory, and Minolta. The
approximately 85,000 manufacturing enterprises in Osaka prefecture
alone employ nearly 1 million people and produce over $220 billion
worth of goods annually.
In addition to Osaka, Japan’s third largest city with a
population of nearly 3 million, the Osaka-Kobe consular district
includes a number of other important cities. One hour to the north
is Kyoto, Japan’s capital for 1,000 years and one of the greatest
historical and cultural treasures in the world. Untouched by bombing
during the Second World War, its ancient temples and shrines are a
living monument to the traditions of Japanese art and civilization.
Thirty minutes to the west of Osaka is the cosmopolitan port city of
Kobe, noted for its foreign influence. Another major city in the
Consulate General’s jurisdiction is Hiroshima, site of the first
atomic bombing and the headquarters of the Japanese car maker,
Mazda, now one-third owned by Ford Motor Company.
The largest of the constituent posts in Japan, the Consulate
General’s jurisdiction includes 17 of Japan’s 47 prefectures and
encompasses one-third of Japan’s population and GNP.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/13/2004 1:58 AM
The Consulate General is located in its own 11-story building,
opened in 1987 and located in the heart of Osaka’s primary business
and shopping district, a 15-minute walk from Osaka’s central train
station. Its address is 11-5, Nishitenma 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka
530-8543. The central switchboard number is (06) 315-5900. The
building is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; employees
work on a limited flex-time system, with most opting for the 8:45
a.m.–5:30 p.m. workday. Limited parking space for certain vehicles
less than 1.55 meters tall is available near the building on a
first-come, first-served basis. A number of employees have carpooled
to work; most currently ride the commuter trains.
The Consulate General building houses the office of the consul
general and the Management, Commercial, Consular, and
Political/Economic Sections, as well as the Agricultural Trade
Office. Also located in the building is the Kansai American Center,
with its excellent reference library and multipurpose auditorium.
All employees and family members traveling to post are met upon
arrival. Although some employees fly directly to post from overseas,
most stop first at Embassy Tokyo for a day of consultations and then
proceed to Osaka. In the latter case, we recommend employees and
family members travel by air from Haneda Airport (Tokyo) to Itami
Airport (Osaka). Please arrive during normal business hours.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Housing assignments are made by the post housing committee in
accordance with the Department’s and post’s housing guidelines. All
employees move directly into assigned housing. U.S. Government
temporary or transient apartments are not normally available, so
when overlaps occur, newcomers are placed in hotels.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Consulate General housing compound is located in the city of
Nishinomiya, about 35 minutes by car or 1 hour and 10 minutes by
train. Commuting time varies, depending on traffic if you drive, and
on train connections and how fast you walk if you take the train.
(There is about a 10- or 15-minute walk to the train station from
home, and then about a 15-minute walk from the station to the
office.)
Nishinomiya, a pleasant, upper-middle class suburb with a
population of 420,000, is nestled between the mountains and Osaka
Bay. It is noted for its educational institutions and is a famous
center of sake brewage.
Named after Mike Mansfield, U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1977 to
1988, Mansfield House, the Consulate General’s 11-unit apartment
complex, provides housing for the consul general and other American
staff. Opened in 1987, it is a modern facility with four
four-bedroom units (three have servants quarters and dens), four
three-bedroom units, and three two-bedroom units. The compound
includes a 40-foot outdoor swimming pool. The complex consists of
six interconnected buildings, and is located near supermarkets,
small shops, and the local commuter train station. The complex
adjoins a small park with some playground equipment for small
children. The compound also has a small common grassy area with a
sandbox for youngsters.
The principal officer’s home (POR) is the largest of the
residential units in the center of the compound. The home is a
two-story structure with unfinished basement. The first floor
includes a foyer with cathedral ceiling, a large living/dining area,
kitchen with eating area, a guest bedroom, bathroom, and den (which
could double as an extra bedroom). The formal dining table can
accommodate 10 persons, and a nearby smaller table in an alcove can
seat 6, for a total of 16. The second floor consists of a master
bedroom with bath, two additional bedrooms, and a bathroom. The
basement includes the cook’s quarters, laundry facilities, storage
shelves, and extra freezers/refrigerators. The unit overlooks a
grassy garden area, which can accommodate approximately 100
visitors.
The POR is completely furnished with a microwave, three
refrigerators, three freezers, dishwasher, washer and dryer, vacuum
cleaner, and other household appliances. Included is an uncrested
set of china and glassware and a limited amount of sterling
flatware, permitting sit-down dinners for 22 persons (with extra
tables used), buffets for up to 60, and cocktails for up to 200.
Tablecloths and guest linens are provided.
All units at the residential complex are fully furnished with
basic furniture, stove, refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer,
lamps, wall-to-wall carpeting, and draperies. Each unit has a small
storage area and a balcony or terrace. Residents must supply their
own linens, dinnerware, flatware, and cooking utensils. The
apartments have individual central heating and air-conditioning
units in all rooms. As post has 11 housing units and 11 American
employees, housing assignments are weighted toward family size, then
position (not personal) grade.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:03 AM
All essential furniture and appliances are furnished by the post;
bring only personal and decorative furnishings. Check with the
Management Section about the exact size of your assigned housing to
determine if there is space for larger items you may wish to bring.
As noted above, bring your own linens, dinnerware, flatware, and
cooking utensils. Although minor household furnishings, kitchenware,
china, small appliances, etc., are available locally, their prices
are higher, so employees may wish to bring these items as well.
Note: Post does not have warehouse space for storage of personal
items, furniture, or personally owned vehicles.
Japanese electricity is 100 volts. Because the electric power
supply in Osaka is 60 cycles (unlike Tokyo’s 50 cycles), you can use
items from America such as clocks and record players without
adaptation. Although no problems occur with AM radio, FM stations
broadcast on lower frequencies so a radio capable of receiving
Japanese FM stations is required and can be purchased locally.
Although both the U.S. and Japan use the NTSC format for TV,
channels broadcast on different frequencies. TVs and video tape
recorders set to U.S. channels require significant readjustment to
receive and record Japanese channels, and it may not be possible to
readjust the set at departure. Those who want to watch Japanese TV
probably will decide to buy a set locally. Prices for a 14-inch set
begin at about $270. Many programs in Japan, including news and
movies, are broadcast bilingually, so some employees find the
investment in a bilingual TV receiver or adapter worthwhile.
Residents of the compound also receive two additional channels,
broadcast via NHK satellite. These channels provide a variety of
English-language news, sports, movies, and entertainment. It is
possible, of course, to watch prerecorded tapes by using a TV
receiver and VCR set for American channels. Video rental stores are
common, with VHS the preferred format. Cable TV hookup at the
compound’s homes is also available, and services and costs vary.
Some employees have established Internet connections at their homes
using their personal computers. Service and costs also vary, but
currently run about $30 per month for unlimited Internet service,
plus the cost of local telephone calls to connect to the provider.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
No shortages of or problems with electricity, gas, or water occur
in Japan, absent an event like the Kobe Earthquake in January 1995.
Telephone service is excellent, and direct dialing is available for
international calls. Many staff find it essential to have a U.S.
calling card to keep telephone costs down. As noted above,
electricity in the Osaka area is 100 volts/60 cycles, and U.S.-style
plugs are used at Mansfield House. Typical Japanese outlets
accommodate a plug with two, equally-sized flat prongs.
Food Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The local market is filled with fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs,
breads, meats, fish, and dairy products, and its use requires no
more sanitary caution than one would apply in the U.S. All of these
items are expensive, however, and for nearly 2 decades American
employees have received a post (cost-of-living) allowance.
The post has no commissary or PX, but frozen foods, other items,
and beverages are obtainable from military commissaries in the Tokyo
and Hiroshima areas. Many families make regular visits to stock up
on needed food items. While travel time can reach 7 hours one-way,
most spend the night in inexpensive accommodations on base. Tolls
are also expensive. A wide variety of foodstuffs can also be
purchased through the Embassy Welfare Association, with additional
charges added for order preparation and commercial shipping from
Tokyo to Osaka. Some arriving families have used part of their HHE
shipment to bring canned goods, spices, and other basics. Many
stores in Kobe also carry foreign-brand foodstuffs, albeit at higher
prices than in the U.S. or the country of origin. A local buyer’s
club also permits the purchase of international foods.
Although the Consulate General has a small snackbar area with
beverage vending machines, a refrigerator, and a microwave, no
prepared foods are available. Employees either bring their lunch
from home or eat in neighborhood restaurants that offer reasonable
lunch time menus.
Osaka is known as a "kuidaore" (food-loving) city. Both
Western-style and Japanese restaurants abound, particularly in the
area between the Consulate General and Osaka Station and in the
Namba district. These range from affordable shops and sushi bars to
exclusive, members-only establishments. Most staff have the
opportunity to experience a broad range of the dining spectrum.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Fashion tastes in Japan increasingly are influenced by American
trends, but Japanese—particularly in this area—tend to be
fashion-conscious in a conservative way. Americans who dress
similarly will be well received.
Clothing and shoes purchased locally are expensive, and size also
presents a problem. Some American clothing and shoes are available
at the military PXs mentioned above, but the cost of travel and the
difference in clothing requirements presents a practical limit to
this option. Many employees at post shop using U.S. catalogs and
taking advantage of the excellent mail service available via APO.
Shopping trips to Korea and Hong Kong are also a possibility.
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Almost everything is available in Japan, but prices range from
high to exorbitant. If you favor certain brands or need special
medicines or a regular supply of some item (e.g., contact lens
cleaner, toiletries, or hot cooking sauce), it may be better and
cheaper to ship them from the U.S.
Supplies and Services
Basic Services Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Laundry and drycleaning services are excellent, as are barber and
beauty shops. Women’s hair coloring may not match colors available
in the U.S., so bringing samples may help. Repair facilities for
American-made appliances and automobiles are often inadequate;
repairs for Japanese products are adequate and easily available but
expensive.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Domestic help is hard to find, and wages are high. Day help can
be obtained from an agency, but at nearly $300 per day. Live-in
cook/servants charge about $1,800 a month, plus a month’s bonus
twice a year. Employees must also provide plane fare to the home
country once per year.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
English-language services for followers of the Catholic,
Protestant, and Jewish faiths are held in Kobe. Catholic and
Anglican/ Episcopalian Churches, with Japanese-language services,
are 10 minutes from the housing compound in Nishinomiya.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM English-speaking students
have a choice of four schools in the Osaka and Kobe areas. All are
located between 30 to 90 minutes from the Nishinomiya housing
compound, depending on the school, the mode of transportation, and
traffic. The Foreign Service educational allowance currently covers
tuition and other required educational expenses as well as
transportation costs.
Canadian Academy, a coeducational facility founded in 1913,
teaches kindergarten through high school and also offers boarding
facilities for boys and girls grades 7-12. The curriculum is based
on the typical college preparatory system in the U.S. The school has
an extensive array of extracurricular activities. The language of
instruction in all subjects is English. A school bus stop is located
a short walk from the housing compound, and is available for
children up to the fifth grade. Older children take the train.
Address: Koyo-cho Naka 4-chome, Higashinada-ku, Kobe, 658-0032,
Telephone +81 (78) 857-0100, Fax +81 (78) 857-3250.
Osaka International School, founded in 1992, also offers a wide
curricula and a number of extracurricular activities with a college
preparatory emphasis. A school bus for all ages can be taken from
near the housing compound. Address: 4-16, Onohara Nishi 4-chome,
Mino-shi, Osaka 562-0032, Telephone +81 (727) 27-5050, Fax +81 (727)
27-5055.
Marist Brothers International School, for boys and girls from
kindergarten through grade 12, was founded in 1951 and is located in
western Kobe. The curriculum is based on the U.S. college
preparatory system. The language of instruction in all subjects is
English. Children can go from Nishinomiya (east of Kobe) to Marist
by public transportation. Address: 2-1, Chimori-cho 1-chome,
Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072, Telephone +81 (78) 732-6266, Fax +81 (78)
732-6268.
St. Michael’s International School, a primary school for boys and
girls, is an Episcopal school for children of all nationalities and
faiths. It is built on the site of the old English Mission School in
the center of Kobe. A school bus stop is available about 2
kilometers away from the compound. Address: 17-2 Nakayamate dori
3-chome, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0004, Telephone +81 (78) 231-8885, Fax
+81 (78) 231-8899.
A number of Japanese nursery schools accept foreign children.
In Kyoto, the Kyoto International School, for boys and girls in
grades 1 through 8, serves a diverse foreign community of a number
of nationalities. Most of the parents are teachers, research
scholars, artists, or missionaries. Address: 317 Kitatawara-cho,
Naka-dachiuri Sagaru, Yoshiyamachi-dori, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8247,
Telephone +81 (75) 451-1022, Fax +81 (75) 451-1023.
Education
Special Needs Education Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Many Americans here enjoy classes and tutoring in traditional
Japanese art forms such as flower arranging, cooking, dancing,
pottery making, music, brush painting, and calligraphy, as well as
in Japanese sports such as judo, kendo, karate, and aikido. Prices
for lessons, however, are typically high.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Sports facilities are available, but are more crowded and
expensive than in the U.S.
The Consulate General housing compound in Nishinomiya has a
swimming pool. A number of pools, tennis courts, and health clubs in
the area are open on either a membership or a pay-as-you-go basis.
Employees have opted for membership in nearby YMCA-type sports
clubs. Typical costs are a one-time membership fee of about $100,
and about $100 a month thereafter.
Public golf courses and driving ranges are crowded and rather
expensive. Private golf clubs are numerous but beyond the financial
reach of most U.S. Government employees. However, employees
occasionally receive invitations to play in golf tournaments
organized by the Japan-America societies and other
American-affiliated groups.
Excellent beaches are a few hours’ drive or a ferry ride away
from Kobe. The Osaka-Kobe area has numerous bowling alleys and
roller and ice skating rinks. Winter skiing areas are located a
2-hour train ride or 3-hour car ride away. The Rokko Mountain
National Park in Kobe has extensive hiking trails, and a smaller
mountain hiking area is a 10-minute walk from the Nishinomiya
compound.
Zoos, aquariums, amusement parks, and museums of all types are
available for family outings.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Local festivals are held in the consular district throughout the
year. Public and private museums regularly feature special exhibits.
Department stores also sponsor fairs showcasing food items and
crafts from different Japanese prefectures.
Kyoto is an international cultural treasure and a popular touring
destination. Shops in Kyoto and elsewhere are well-stocked with wood
block prints, china, porcelain, scrolls, screens, etc. Its
centuries-old festivals and innumerable temples and shrines bring
visitors back again and again.
Nearby Nara was founded in A.D. 710 and contains some of the
oldest and most famous art treasures in Japan, including the Great
Buddha of the Todaiji Temple, housed in the world’s largest wooden
building. Hundreds of tame deer freely roam Nara Park and are very
popular with children.
To the west of Kobe is Himeji, site of the most spectacular
castle in Japan. It has been the site of many Japanese samurai
movies, including the American TV program, "Shogun." To the west and
south lies the Inland Sea, whose quiet shores and scenic islands are
within easy reach of the compound by bridge and ferry.
Two of Japan’s most famous scenic spots are in the consular
district: Amanohashidate on the Japan Sea and Miyajima Shrine near
Hiroshima. Also in Hiroshima is the Peace Park and Museum. See also
Tokyo, Touring and Outdoor Activities.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Movie houses throughout Osaka and Kobe show first-run American
and foreign films, while at prices two to three times higher than in
the U.S. Auditoriums in Kobe and Osaka offer concerts by
world-famous classical and popular artists as well as symphony
orchestras, ballet, and opera. Osaka is also the home of Bunraku,
the famous traditional Japanese puppet theater, and Kabuki and Noh
performances are also presented. The spring tournament of sumo, the
historical sport popular among foreigners and Japanese alike, is
held annually in Osaka. A unique all-girl troupe in Takarazuka, a
30-minute train ride from the compound, performs Western-style
musicals on a constantly changing bill.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Most Americans
entertain in their homes. Kobe and Osaka have many nightclubs and
restaurants suitable for entertainment in a variety of price ranges.
The Kansai Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
(ACCJ) maintains an office in Osaka and meets periodically for
luncheons and dinners in Osaka and Kobe. The George Washington
Society, a gathering of American residents in the Kansai, celebrates
George Washington’s birthday with a formal ball and the Fourth of
July with a picnic.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
International Contacts Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Japanese
enjoy Western entertainment and accept invitations to American
homes. Both formal and informal contacts between Americans and
Japanese are extensive.
The Japan-America Societies in Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, and Hiroshima
sponsor a variety of lectures, luncheons, and parties that offer an
excellent opportunity to establish friendships. The Japan-America
Women of the Kansai (JAWK) meets bimonthly and organizes a number of
programs to increase friendship and understanding between women of
the two countries as well as to raise money for charitable
organizations. Rotary International, Lions International, and the
Jaycees have chapters in almost every city and like to meet with
official Americans. Japanese-American sister city affiliation
committees promote a number of exchanges. The Kobe Women’s Club
meets weekly from September to May for art programs, excursions,
bridge, and other activities.
Twenty-three official and 45 honorary consulates general and
consulates are in the Osaka-Kobe area, as are foreign business
representatives of all nationalities.
Official Functions
Nature of Functions Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Participating in Japanese functions is an important part of the
Consulate General’s public outreach and representational activities.
Invitations to functions hosted by public and private organizations
are frequent, and Consulate General officers are called upon
periodically to represent the consul general at representational
affairs. Although dinners and luncheons are held, the most common
representational activities are early evening receptions.
Official Functions
Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:05 AM
Employees at post can expect a professional social life as full
as they want it to be. A circular letter announcing new officer
assignments is sent to local Japanese officials and the consular
corps of Kobe and Osaka. Personal calls by newly arrived personnel
are a practical means of becoming acquainted. As at other posts in
Japan, bilingual calling cards are a necessity. The Management
Section can arrange for printing as soon as possible after arrival.
Special Information Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Personnel assigned to Osaka-Kobe are usually authorized 1 day and
2 nights en route at the Embassy in Tokyo for consultations. If you
notify the Embassy of your arrival plans, you will be met at the
airport. Preliminary administrative processing will be done at the
Embassy, which also will help arrange onward air transportation to
Osaka-Kobe. (Given that flights between Tokyo’s Haneda and Osaka’s
Itami airports are crowded, those who plan to arrive in Osaka by air
should make their in-country air reservations before arrival in
Japan.)
Pets may be brought into the country through Kansai International
Airport. If advance notice is given, at-home quarantines can
sometimes be arranged. No quarantine is required for cats. Pets are
not permitted on the Shinkansen "bullet trains," even as freight.
Personnel should write to the Embassy’s administrative counselor
and to the principal officer of the Consulate General regarding
estimated dates and means of arrival and provide information on
accompanying family members, pets, baggage, and any special
considerations.
Personnel at the post can use APO facilities as well as
international and domestic Japanese mail services.
Address regular international mail to: American Consulate General
11-5, Nishitenma 2-chome Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543 Japan
Address APO Mail to:
American Consulate General, Unit 45004 Box 239 APO AP 96337-5004
Post Orientation Program
A knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language is an asset for
all staff members. The post encourages all personnel to attend
Japanese-language classes, which are held in the Consulate General
building and at the homes. The post also has a small but excellent
library of books on Japan. The Community House and Information
Center (CHIC) and the YMCA Cross-Cultural Center in Kobe offer
regular community orientation programs for newcomers.
Consulate General - Sapporo
Post City Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Sapporo is a modern city of 1.8 million people and the capital of
Hokkaido, the northernmost major island of Japan. The city is the
governmental and commercial center of Hokkaido, which is the size of
Austria and has a population a bit larger than that of Finland or
Denmark (5.7 million).
Sapporo is renowned for its winter events and sports facilities.
The city has hosted the Winter Olympics (1972), many other
world-class skiing events, and holds the world’s largest Snow
Festival each year in February.
Within easy driving of the city are breathtaking volcanic lakes
and gorges, white water rivers, mountains dressed with cedar, pine,
birch, and aspen, and spectacular views of both the Pacific Ocean
and the Sea of Japan.
Sapporo is located in a snow belt and has a "subarctic" climate.
But, despite over 20 feet of snow each year, winter temperatures are
moderate, seldom dropping below 20ø at night and staying just below
freezing during the day. Spring is short but pleasant and summer is
delightful, with temperatures in the 70’s—15 to 20 degrees cooler
than in Tokyo or Osaka.
The special attachment the people of Hokkaido have for Americans
is unique. In the early 1870s when the Japanese Government began a
crash program to develop Hokkaido, Japanese officials called on
President Grant for advice. Grant responded by recommending his own
Secretary of Agriculture, Horace Capron, as a candidate to organize
a group of American and foreign experts to assist in the opening of
Hokkaido. After accepting the Japanese offer, Capron left his post
in the U.S. and worked for the Government of Japan for 5 years as a
senior advisor in charge of developing Hokkaido. The American
educators, engineers, and agricultural experts who joined Capron are
remembered fondly in Hokkaido even today; and are honored with
statues and museums in and around Sapporo.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The consular district comprises Hokkaido, as well as Aomori,
Akita, Iwate and Miyagi, the four northern prefectures of Honshu,
the main island of Japan. North to south, the district stretches
about 700 miles and covers over one-third of Japan.
Travel within the consular district is primarily by car in
Hokkaido and by plane for trips to Tohoku. There are convenient
ferry, train, and bus services. Sapporo has an extensive subway
system. New Chitose International Airport, which serves Sapporo, is
about 1 hour from the Consulate General.
If traveling by air directly to Sapporo from the U.S., most
people come through Narita International Airport in Tokyo and change
to a Japanese domestic airline or U.S. carrier code-share flight to
Sapporo. Convenient connections are also possible through New Kansai
Airport in Osaka. There are direct international flights between
Sapporo and Honolulu, Seoul, Taipei, Amsterdam, and Shenyang. Flying
time from Narita to Sapporo is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The trip
by train from Tokyo is about 12 hours and by car, over 24 hours.
Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Consulate General and the American Center are located in
attractive facilities in a picturesque setting on the edge of
Maruyama Park. The office building and the principal officer’s home,
which is also on the site, were completed and occupied in the fall
of 1978.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Several first-class hotels in Sapporo are suitable for temporary
lodging until government quarters are available. Inform the
Consulate General in advance of what you require, and the post will
make the necessary arrangements.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:08 AM
American employees of the Consulate General and the American
Center live in either government-owned or government-leased
furnished quarters. The Consul General’s home is a two-story house
with representational living/dining areas, powder room, and modern
kitchen on the first floor; four bedrooms and two baths on the
second. It has spacious closets and storage areas, laundry
facilities, and garage space. All furniture and furnishings are
provided.
The home has china, glassware, flatware, kitchen utensils, a
microwave, a mixer, and a blender. Bring paintings, prints and other
personal decorative items.
The consular/management/economic officer at post occupies U.S.
Government-leased quarters close to the Consulate General that are
provided with major appliances and basic furniture and furnishings.
Occupants should bring small kitchen appliances, china, utensils,
glassware, and silverware as well as items that give a home a
personalized touch.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:10 AM
The electric current in Sapporo is 100v, 50-cycle, AC. Except for
appliances with synchronous motors, such as electric clocks and tape
recorders, standard American electrical appliances run well. Cable
and satellite television are available for a reasonable monthly fee.
Internet Ordering. Sapporo has APO delivery service. Books,
toiletries, clothing, coffee and other products are readily
available from Internet sites. Delivery from the U.S. takes 7-14
days.
Food Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The only commissary and BX in the consular district is at Misawa
Air Base, 12 hours away by car and a long, expensive ferry ride. You
can get most foods, including delicious Hokkaido crab and other
seafood delicacies, on the open market. Department stores,
supermarkets, and specialty food shops sell a variety of foodstuffs;
however, most food prices in the local markets are considerably
higher than they are in Washington, D.C.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Bring an adequate supply of clothing. Though department stores
carry a variety of clothing and shoes, sizes are limited, and prices
are very high. Local tailors and dressmakers are good but extremely
expensive. Fashion for men is fairly conservative, i.e., dark suits
for business.
In the long winters here, lined, knee-high snow boots, warm
gloves, caps and warm winter clothing, including snow suits for
children, are necessities. If you plan to ski, snowboard, or skate,
bringing the necessary equipment from the U.S. could cut costs by
more than 50%.
Supplies and Services
Basic Services Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Sapporo has nearly every kind of specialty shop and repair
facility. Barbers and beauticians are adequate. Drycleaning is
available though somewhat more expensive than in the U.S. Local auto
mechanics are competent, but parts for foreign-made cars must be
specially ordered and are expensive.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:10 AM
Live-in domestic help is almost impossible to find and very
expensive. Hourly maid services are available. A cook and a maid
staff the Consul General’s home.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Sapporo has Catholic and Protestant churches and Baha’i and
Islamic communities. Some services and activities are conducted in
English. There is no synagogue, but a small group of Jewish
residents gather to celebrate Passover and other observances.
Education
Dependent Education Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The Hokkaido International School is the only English-language
school in Sapporo and offers courses from kindergarten through grade
12, with a student population of about 170 children. Though small,
the school has improved considerably since moving into an impressive
new building built with the aid of the Hokkaido Government in 1995.
HIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and
Colleges. Recent graduates have been accepted by such universities
as Cornell and the University of Virginia.
Education
Higher Education Opportunities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All Consulate General personnel have an opportunity to study
Japanese under the post-language program. Texts and tapes are
supplied by the Department; however, instructors are more than
willing to tailor programs to students’ schedules and personal
interests.
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Hokkaido is a sports fan’s paradise. In the winter one can ski,
ice skate, and cross-country ski; in the summer one can play golf
(very expensive compared to the U.S.) and tennis, hike, camp, boat,
and swim (both in summer and in winter at indoor public pools near
the Consulate General and at various resorts). Hunting for bear,
deer, pheasant, duck, and rabbit is available. However, obtaining a
hunting license is a difficult and complicated procedure.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Jozankei, a hot-spring resort, lies on the banks of a swiftly
flowing stream in a beautiful valley, 17 miles southwest of Sapporo.
Jozankei has many large hotels, some with Western-style
accommodations.
Noboribetsu hot springs is about 80 miles southeast of Sapporo.
Its outstanding feature is a valley filled with sulfur pools known
as the Valley of Hell.
The Ainu Village at Shiraoi, about 1 hour south of Noboribetsu,
is one of the few places in Hokkaido where you can see an exhibition
of Ainu customs and culture.
Lake Toya and Lake Shikotsu were formed by ancient volcanic
eruptions. Both offer pleasant mountain scenery and opportunities
for hiking and boating. They are 2–3 hours’ drive from Sapporo.
For a long weekend or holiday, Akan National Park in the eastern
part of the island offers the famous lakes of Akan, Kutcharo, and
Mashu as well as pleasant drives through beautiful mountain and
forest scenery. Sounkyo Gorge, about a 5-hour drive from Sapporo, is
also famous for its scenery.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Sapporo is a modern city with excellent restaurants, first-class
hotels serving international cuisine, modern theaters featuring
American movies in English with Japanese subtitles, a zoo, a
municipal symphony orchestra, a modern art museum, and well-stocked
department stores.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
Among Americans Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Hokkaido has a
small but growing American business community. There is an American
missionary community and the number of American English teachers in
Hokkaido is increasing. Aside from these groups, social activities
among Americans are limited.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities
International Contacts Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Social and
recreational opportunities here for a foreigner not willing to
plunge into the Japanese culture and language are much more limited
than in cosmopolitan cities with larger foreign communities. The
principal officer is offered an honorary membership in the Rotary
Club. Staff members attend many post representational functions and
join the Japan-American Society, which has luncheon meetings every
month and golf, tennis, and skiing activities during the year.
Only a limited number of Sapporo citizens can carry on a
conversation in English, but many people are eager to befriend
foreigners. A basic speaking knowledge of Japanese is essential in
broadening friendships.
Official Functions
Nature of Functions Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
It is the Japanese custom to exchange calling cards and officers
will need a sizable supply immediately upon arrival. Cards are
printed with English on one side and Japanese on the other. If
requested, the Consulate General can have cards printed before
arrival.
Mail and Shipping: APO address for mail and parcel post is:
(Name) American Consulate General Sapporo Unit 45004, Box 276 APO
AP 96337-0003
For International Mail: (Name) American Consulate General Kita
1-jo, Nishi 28 chome 064-0821 Sapporo, Japan
Special Information Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:23 AM
Employment for Spouses and Dependents
Effective December 12, 2001, non-Japanese Consular spouses who
seek employment on the local economy may obtain a work permit from
the Government of Japan. Please contact Human Resources Office for
details.
Consulate - Fukuoka
Post City Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Fukuoka City, capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, is the cultural,
economic, and educational center of Kyushu Island with a population
of 1.3 million people. The city is the heart of the region’s $410
billion economy, which is larger than that of Australia and almost
equal that of South Korea. The Island encompasses 10% of Japan’s GNP
and the region represents Japan’s fourth economic center behind the
Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya region. In addition, the region boasts an
economic growth rate above the national average and increasing
integration into the regional Asian economy. Already known as
Japan’s "Silicon Island" because of the semiconductor industry that
accounts for over 30% of Japan’s total chip output, Kyushu is also
developing into a major car-manufacturing center. It will soon
produce 10% of Japan’s car output, based on roboticized
state-of-the-art auto technology.
Fukuoka City also is the heart of the Island’s dynamic hi-tech
research and development, which is noted as a leading world center
for research in advanced computer chips, nuclear fusion, and
robotics. With its long tradition of openness to the outside world
and receptivity to foreign ideas and products, Fukuoka City has
developed into Japan’s test market for fashion design and new
products.
Culturally and politically, Fukuoka has led Kyushu’s advancement
in promoting some of the nation’s most active sister-city programs
and Japan-America Society activities. Fukuoka City’s universities
are highly active in expanding student and cultural exchanges,
particularly with Asia. In addition, Fukuoka City’s leading
officials are exploring ways in which the City, region, and people
may play a more constructive role in the development of the
Asian-Pacific Region.
In this context, the Kyushu region is known as the "Gateway to
Asia," maintaining close economic, cultural, and political ties with
Japan’s Asian neighbors. Fukuoka City has established the Asian
Cultural Awards to honor contributions to the understanding of Asian
culture and thought by both Western and Asian scholars. It has also
initiated an Asian-Pacific Mayors summit to encourage networking by
local leaders in order to work cooperatively in developing solutions
to common problems. The City has also established regular meetings
with counterparts in Korea to promote understanding and cooperation.
Reflecting Fukuoka City’s increasing prominence in Asia, Asia Week,
a weekly magazine published in Hong Kong named Fukuoka City the
"Most Livable City in Asia" for the second time in 1999. Fukuoka
also hosted the G-8 Finance ministers meeting in July 8, 2000, prior
to the Kyushu-Okinawa Summit of G-8 meeting in Okinawa on July
21–23. The city hopes to become an important international economic,
cultural, and political center in the future.
Few regions in Japan can match Kyushu’s historic consciousness,
and fewer yet have the deep sense of self-identity and pride seen in
the people of Kyushu. According to tradition, it is here that the
Sun Goddess Amaterasu descended from heaven to establish the nation
of Japan, and it is here where Japan’s first emperor was born.
Kyushu led Japan out of feudalism in 1868, and its local heroes have
played major roles in shaping modern Japan.
The consular district—which contains over 15 million
people—comprises the seven prefectures of Kyushu Island and
Yamaguchi Prefecture on the main island of Honshu. Other major
cities in the district include Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita,
and Kagoshima.
Two key U.S. military facilities, Sasebo Naval Base and the
Marine Corps Air Station at Iwakuni, are located in the consular
district. The foreign missions are also established in Fukuoka and
the Kyushu region.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:24 AM
The Consulate is located in a quiet residential area about 2
kilometers from the city’s business and commercial center, Tenjin.
The attractive Consulate building was completed in 1960 and is only
a short walk from Fukuoka’s main subway line. The Consulate houses
the offices of the principal officer as well as the
Management/Consular and Economic/Commercial Sections.
The address of the Consulate is 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku,
Fukuoka 810-0052; the switchboard phone number is (092) 751-9331,
the main fax number is (092) 713-9222. The Economic/Commercial
Section’s fax number is 092-725-3772. Working hours at the Consulate
is from 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extensive
information about the Consulate is available on its Internet Home
Page, at: http://usembassy.state.gov/fukuoka.
The Fukuoka American Center (FAC) occupies the top floor of an
eight-story building in the heart of Tenjin, Fukuoka’s shopping and
business district. The Center is conveniently located near subway,
train and inter-city bus stations, restaurants and shopping. The FAC
address is 2-2-67 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0001; the telephone
numbers are (092) 761-6661/3; the fax is (092) 721-0109. Working
hours at the FAC is from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday. The FAC’s Internet Home Page address is:
http://usembassy.state.gov/fukuoka.
Personnel assigned to Fukuoka are normally given consultations at
Embassy Tokyo en route to post, and are also provided with
assistance with onward travel arrangements. Arrivals in Japan during
working hours will normally be met at Narita International Airport.
The Consulate will meet newly assigned officers and their
families at Fukuoka Airport or Hakata train station, if advised in
advance of travel plans.
Housing
Temporary Quarters Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
New employees and their families almost always move directly into
government-owned housing on arrival. If necessary, several good
Western-style hotels in Fukuoka have accommodations within the
temporary housing allowance. Meals in the hotels are more expensive
than in the U.S.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Housing for the Consulate’s four officers is located adjacent to
the Consulate building. The housing consists of four white stucco
townhouses, completed in May 1982, with enclosed parking space for
four vehicles. The West Coast-style townhouses were designed by an
American architect. Although each is uniquely designed, all contain
electric central heating and air-conditioning.
The two larger units have adjoining living/ dining rooms for
entertaining, a large kitchen, study, den, four bedrooms, and
three-and-a-half baths. These units each have a moderately sized
living room with seating for 10–12 and the adjoining dining room is
capable of seating 10.
The other two units have living rooms, dining areas, kitchens,
utility rooms, three bedrooms each, and two-and-a-half baths. All
units have either small yards or decks/terraces.
Housing is situated across the street from the scenic Ohori Park,
which contains a large lake, a Japanese garden, a popular
two-kilometer jogging course, boat rentals, a lakeside restaurant, a
museum, and two children’s playgrounds.
As noted above, personnel assigned to Fukuoka usually occupy
their assigned housing without delay. A Welcome Kit will take care
of essentials until your personal effects arrive.
Those assigned to Fukuoka are authorized limited shipments of
household effects. Include tableware, glassware, silver, china,
linens, kitchen utensils, pictures, and other items of personal
preference. Although such items can be purchased locally or through
the Base Exchange at the Sasebo U.S. Navy facility, prices can be
prohibitive and selection limited.
Housing
Furnishings Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Housing is fully furnished with all essential furniture and basic
electric appliances. Room for a few personal decorative pieces of
furniture is available, but the Consulate has no warehouse or
storage facilities. The principal officer is provided with china,
glassware, and silver for 24.
All homes have refrigerator/freezers, electric ranges, separate
freezers, automatic washers and dryers, microwaves and garbage
disposals.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All toilets are Western-style, with deep tile Japanese-style
bathtubs in the master bathroom in each unit. Electricity in Fukuoka
is 100v, 60 cycles; AC (different from Tokyo’s 50 cycles), so most
U.S.-made electric appliances can generally be used without
difficulty. Electric sockets are compatible with U.S. Plugs. All
units contain telephones, for which occupants pay a monthly base
charge, a per-minute charge for each call and, of course,
long-distance charges. Overseas calls are billed separately and are
expensive by U.S. standards. Overseas calling services are
available, and are considerably cheaper than the Japanese
long-distance carrier.
There are a number of FM radio stations in Fukuoka. These
stations broadcast at a different frequency than those in the U.S.,
however, so a radio capable of receiving the Japanese FM band is
required. Similarly, regional television channels broadcast at a
different frequency (although using the U.S. NTSC format). Newer
televisions allow automatic reprogramming of channels. Many
employees purchase a new or used television set locally with
bilingual capability. Several channels carry programs in English on
the sub-channel, including news programs. Cable TV is available at
commercial rates at post. All units are wired for cable. Basic cable
includes CNN, MTV, sports, and a choice of movie channels, generally
in English. Video rental stores (VHS) are common in Fukuoka, but
selection varies.
Food Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
American-type foods are available locally, and health and food
product safety standards are comparable to those in the U.S. Fresh
meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, as well as staples, packaged
foods, and coffee are sold in Japanese markets, although at higher
prices than in the U.S. Beef prices are exceptionally high by
American standards. The nearest commissary at the U.S. Naval Base in
Sasebo is an expensive 5-6 hour round-trip by car or train.
Commissary shopping is also available at Marine Corps Air Station
Iwakuni, but this facility is located even farther away from
Fukuoka. Costco, a U.S.-based warehouse-style grocery store opened
in 1999. Prices there are reasonable by Japanese standards, but are
higher than at similar stores in the U.S.
Baby food is available but difficult to find on the local economy
(but is available at the Naval Base in Sasebo). Good-quality milk,
butter, and margarine are available locally. A selection of cheeses
from Europe, the U.S. and New Zealand are sold at Japanese outlets
at higher than U.S. prices. Fruits and vegetables are more expensive
than those in the U.S.; however, they are also fresher.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
As with other major cities in Japan, current American and
European fashions are available at the larger department stores but
at higher prices (for name labels, two to three times the U.S. price
is the norm). Also, finding U.S. sizes is often a problem. Military
exchanges offer some relief, but stocks are limited and trips to the
bases are expensive and time consuming. Mail-order catalogs are a
commonly used source of clothing.
Fukuoka’s winters are usually mild (it usually snows one or two
days per year) although the proximity to the Korean Peninsula
occasionally results in a sudden cold snap. Summers in Fukuoka are
similar to those in Washington, hot and humid. Bring a four-season
wardrobe. As with the rest of Japan, residents of Fukuoka dress
conservatively. See Tokyo, Clothing, for other information on dress
standards.
Supplies and Services
Supplies Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Toiletries, cosmetics, tobacco products, commonly used home
medical supplies, and virtually all household supplies can be found
in Japanese shops but at high prices. Cribs, playpens, strollers,
diapers, and other products for babies are available but, again, are
expensive locally. These items are available at the U.S. military
exchange and commissary facilities at Sasebo and Iwakuni, or through
catalogs.
Supplies and Services
Basic Services Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Local shoe repair, dry cleaning, laundry, barbers and beauty
shops are more expensive than in the U.S. Dealers representing the
major U.S. automobile manufacturers have offices in Fukuoka.
Nevertheless, parts for American and other foreign autos are
expensive and harder to find. In terms of servicing and size, most
employees choose to purchase a used Japanese car, which can be
purchased at post.
Supplies and Services
Domestic Help Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Cost of a full-time servant, including food and transportation,
is about ¥175,000 per month. Part-time domestic help costs ¥10,000
daily, including transportation. It is also customary to pay
semi-annual bonuses (June and December), that usually amount to a
month’s pay each time. The principal officer is the only officer at
post with U.S. Government-paid domestic help to assist with official
representational entertaining.
Religious Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Roman Catholic, Latter-day Saints, and Protestant churches
(including Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Episcopal) in the
city hold services in Japanese to which Americans are welcome.
English-language Protestant and Roman Catholic services are also
available. Fukuoka does not have a Jewish congregation.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Founded in 1972, the
Fukuoka International School (FIS) is a private, coeducational day
and boarding school that offers an educational program from
pre-kindergarten through grade 12 for English-speaking students of
all nationalities. The school year comprises two semesters extending
approximately from September 1 to June 18.
A Board of Directors and Board of Trustees govern the school. The
school is a member of the Japan Council of Overseas Schools and the
East Asia Regional Council of Overseas Schools.
A basic college preparatory U.S. curriculum is updated regularly
to keep it current with trends in the U.S. as well as in other
international schools in Japan. The curriculum includes English as a
Second Language (ESL) program, Japanese-language classes, and
computer classes. FIS is accredited by the Western Association of
Schools and Colleges.
The 2000-2001 school year consists of 1 headmaster, 18 full-time
and 9 part-time staff members, including 11 American citizens, 8
host-country nationals, and 5 third-country nationals.
Enrollment at the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year was 173
students. Korean, American, and Japanese are the largest
nationalities represented at the international school, but British,
Australian, Canadian and other nationals also are part of a very
culturally diverse student community. Of the American enrollment,
two were dependents of U.S. Government direct-hire employees, and 41
were dependents of other private U.S. citizens.
A new two-story physical plant with a gymnasium was constructed
in 1990/91. A dormitory was built in the 1994/95 school year. The
current facility consists of 11 classrooms, a science lab, a music
room, a language laboratory, physics, science and computer rooms, an
art room, an office, principal’s room, a kitchen, a student lounge,
and a 5,100 volume library. The dormitory provides rooms for 24
live-in students.
In the 2000-2001 school year, nearly all of the school’s income
was derived from regular day school tuition and registration fees.
Annual tuition rates were as follows: pre-kindergarten: $8,341;
kindergarten-grade 6: $9,082; grades 7-8: $9,916; and grades 9-12:
$10,658. There is a one-time registration fee of $1,853 and annual
facility fee, $463. Unless special arrangements are made with the
school’s treasurer, tuition is payable at the beginning of each
semester. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars-107¥/$1.) Local
business and government support for the Fukuoka International School
is strong.
Fukuoka International School 18-50, Momochi 3-chome, Sawara-ku,
Fukuoka, Japan 814-0006 Tel: 81-92-841-7601 Fax: 8l-92-84l-7602
Recreation and Social Life
Sports Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
For the avid jogger/runner, the Consulate is located next to
beautiful Ohori Park, modeled after China’s famed West Lake in
Hangzhou. Ohori Park has a specially paved two-kilometer jogging
path along with bicycle and walking paths along the scenic lake.
Rowboats are available for rental on the lake from spring to autumn.
There are numerous road races and marathons held year around in
Fukuoka and Kyushu. The October Fukuoka City Marathon attracts a
large number of participants of all ages from the region.
Bowling is popular in Fukuoka along with ice and in-line skating.
Swimming is also a popular pastime, with numerous facilities around
the city. Swimming lessons for children and adults are offered year
around at reasonable prices at facilities near the Consulate. Near
the Consulate is a man-made beach facing Hakata Harbor. Hikers enjoy
the trails at the Citizen’s Forest.
A full range of sports activities is offered in Fukuoka,
particularly in the martial arts. The "budokan" or sports center
located near the Consulate, offers kendo, judo, laido, karate, and
other types of Asian martial arts courses.
Recreation and Social Life
Touring and Outdoor Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Kyushu is noted as Japan’s leading center for porcelain and
ceramic production. Imari and Arita, in nearby Saga Prefecture, are
home to Japan’s most famous porcelain makers Imaemon and Kakiemon.
There are numerous pottery areas and antique shops in and around
Fukuoka City. The region also is noted for its historic and scenic
spots. Fukuoka City has numerous excavation sites such as Korokan,
an ancient site underscoring Fukuoka’s historic importance as a
major trading center for the region. Nagasaki City is a well-known
tourist destination, noted for its historic setting and tragic
wartime experience. Kyushu is also famous for its "onsen," or hot
spring. Yufuin and Beppu in neighboring Oita Prefecture, as well as
Kumamoto and Kagoshima, are popular destinations. Hiking is another
popular activity in the region.
The Fukuoka Dome, Japan’s largest retractable sports stadium,
hosts international concerts, sports programs, and trade promotional
events. The Daiei Hawks professional baseball team plays at the
Dome. Fukuoka City is the center for the arts as well as shopping,
Nagasaki hosts the Huis Ten Bosch Dutch theme park, Miyazaki has the
world’s largest indoor swimming complex, and Kitakyushu has the
Space World Amusement Park. All locations are accessible by train or
car.
Recreation and Social Life
Entertainment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Fukuoka City hosts the spectacular annual Dontaku (May) and
Yamakasa (July) festivals, which attract national attention. "Yatai"
or outdoor food vendors, are also popular, serving a variety of
local cuisine, including "Hakata ramen" noodles.
Current American films in English with Japanese subtitles attract
large audiences. In April 1996, AMC opened a 13-theater complex in
the new Canal City Hakata mall complex in downtown Fukuoka. Fukuoka
is now a major stopping area for internationally known performers,
since the opening of several large entertainment facilities. Jazz,
country and western, western, and Japanese classical music concerts
are popular in Fukuoka. Kumamoto hosts a major Country and Western
music concert each October, "Country Gold," which attracts famous
performers from the U.S. and Japan. In Fukuoka, there are also
restaurants such as the Blue Note which feature live jazz and
popular music. The November Sumo wrestling tournament also adds to
Fukuoka’s visibility and appeal.
Fukuoka has a wide range of excellent Japanese and Western
restaurants. Although more expensive than those restaurants in the
U.S., the quality is high.
Recreation and Social Life
Social Activities Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Opportunities for meeting Japanese from all walks of life are
virtually unlimited. Fukuoka’s residents are noted in Japan as being
friendly and hospitable to guests. Although growing, the foreign
community is small, and a minimal knowledge of Japanese is
essential.
Official Functions
Nature of Functions Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Fukuoka is an extremely active post with the American officers
engaged in a wide range of activities such as promoting trade
events, assisting American companies looking for business
opportunities, attending receptions and ceremonial events,
delivering speeches, and representing the U.S. at seminars and
special programs throughout the consular district. The Consulate
hosts many annual events, including meetings with regional decision
makers, large trade events, monthly trade seminars, the Independence
Day reception, and frequent representational events to promote the
full range of Mission goals. The Consulate also plays an important
role in the city’s growing consular corps. Officers attend military
functions at U.S. bases and Japanese Self-Defense Force facilities
in the consular district. Officers are encouraged to host
representational events.
Official Functions
Standards of Social Conduct Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The large number of invitations makes it impossible for the
Consulate to accept and attend all events. Over the many years since
its opening in 1952, the Consulate has established a positive and
active image within the community and consular district. The
Consulate attempts to be as responsive as possible to requests for
assistance and advice.
All American officers and Foreign Service National staff make
many officials calls on local officials, including governors and
mayors, representatives of the various central government agencies,
and business and academic leaders. We also introduce visiting
American officials and company representatives to local
representatives.
Special Information Last Updated: 7/13/2004 2:26 AM
Your household effects shipment should be shipped to Hakata
(Fukuoka), Japan (port of discharge), using the most direct routing
available. Each shipment should be marked and consigned as follows
with an arrival cable notification to the Fukuoka Management
Section:
For surface shipments (HHE, POV, etc.), mark as follows:
American Consulate, Fukuoka, Japan, for Employee (name) (port of
discharge: Hakata) Consignee: American Consulate, Fukuoka, Japan
5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052 Japan Tel: (092)
751-9331
UAB shipments must be forwarded to the Fukuoka International
Airport, Fukuoka, Japan.
For airfreight (UAB, etc.), mark as follows:
American Consulate, Fukuoka, Japan, for Employee (name)
destination airport: Fukuoka International Airport) Consignee:
American Consulate, Fukuoka, Japan 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku,
Fukuoka 810-0052 Tel: (092) 751-9331
There is no limitation on the size and weight of shipping vans
and boxes that may be utilized for ocean shipment to post. However,
those vans and boxes must be sturdily built to protect the contents
from possible rough handling during transportation. Special shipping
instructions:
The Government of Japan will not grant import clearance on POV
shipments prior to the owner’s arrival at post. The shipment must be
timed to arrive at post after the arrival of the owner. Firearms
shipments to Japan are strictly prohibited. Shipping documents
covering HHE and UAB shipments to post must include the packing or
inventory list in duplicate. Note: the Consulate does not have
storage facilities for excess household effects and cannot authorize
local commercial storage.
Consulate personnel and their families may use the Embassy’s APO
facility. The address is:
Name American Embassy (Fukuoka) Unit 45004, Box 242 APO AP
96337-5004
Consulate - Nagoya
Post City Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Nagoya City is the capital of Aichi Prefecture and center of
commerce, industry, and culture in central Japan (the Chubu Region).
The city has over 2 million people, ranking fourth in population
among Japan’s cities. It is located between Tokyo and Osaka and sits
astride Japan’s major east-west highway and railway systems. Nagoya
and the surrounding region make up an industrial powerhouse.
Economic activity in this region is such that even if separated from
the rest of Japan, it would still have one of the world’s largest
economies. This is the center of Japan’s automobile and auto parts
industries. The country’s largest carmaker, Toyota Motor
Corporation, has its headquarters and virtually all of its Japan
operations in Aichi and other car and truck manufacturers are either
headquartered or have plant facilities in the region. Mitsubishi
Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, along with other
aerospace companies, are located in or near Nagoya. Other
industries, ranging from machine tools to fine ceramics, are located
here and form part of the Chubu Region’s vast economic base. Some of
this manufacturing output is exported out of the Port of Nagoya, the
busiest in export volume of all of the country’s ports. Nagoya Bay
is large enough to accommodate some of the world’s largest ships;
every year, about 38,000 ships enter the bay to dock at Nagoya’s
port. In 1999, foreign trade volume in and out of all of the
regional air and maritime ports was almost $142 billion.
Nagoya and its residents have long been associated with commerce
and merchandising. Located along the historical transportation
routes between eastern and western Japan (e.g., between Edo, or
Tokyo, and Osaka), the town prospered from its trade with both
regions. Among the important early regional industries were
textiles, steel-making, and ceramics, traditional economic
activities whose imprint is still evident today. The first of
Japan’s Tokugawa shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu (who was from the area of
Nagoya), recognized the town’s strategic importance in the early
17th century and built an imposing castle in its center. Ruled over
first by one of his sons and then by other Tokugawa successors,
Nagoya grew both in economic and political importance during the
long, and virtually warfare-free, Tokugawa era. Over time, the city
and the surrounding area became the commercial and industrial hub
that it remains today. The castle built by the shogun, leveled along
with the rest of the city during World War II, was rebuilt and
remains the premier landmark in and symbol of the city.
Regional civic and business leaders are pushing ahead with
several large-scale 21st century projects in and around Nagoya.
Already in place is a giant new commercial development, JR Central
Towers, which opened in downtown Nagoya over the city’s main train
terminal in March 2000. The year 2005 looms large both as the
deadline for completion of the new Central Japan International
Airport and as the year the region will host the 2005 World
Exposition. The airport is a $7.2 billion project to be built on
landfill in Ise Bay about 35 kilometers south of Nagoya. Plans for
the World Exposition (EXPO 2005) have been scaled back from the
original conception but the project is still an enormous undertaking
with a projected investment of about $1.4 billion by the Japanese
government, local governments, and the private sector. The estimated
number of visitors to the March through September EXPO is upwards of
18 million. The EXPO, which will have an environment-based theme,
will be held on existing parkland near a forested area adjacent to
Nagoya. There are also several huge highway and railway construction
projects planned for the region. The most heavily trafficked
highways between Nagoya and Tokyo (the "Tomei") and between Nagoya
and Osaka (the "Meishin") both have new partner routes planned for
construction early in this century. In addition, Nagoya-based
Central Japan Railways is going ahead with development of the
"Linear Chuo Shinkansen," a futuristic "maglev" (magnetic
levitation) train that could run at speeds as high as 500 kilometers
per hour, connecting Tokyo and Nagoya in 40 minutes.
The Post and Its Administration Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
This post is formally known as the United States Consulate
Nagoya. The Nagoya consular district comprises the three prefectures
of Aichi, Mie, and Gifu, also known as "Tokai san ken," or Tokai
three prefectures. Besides Nagoya, other major cities in the
district include Toyohashi and Toyota (Aichi), Yokkaichi (Mie), and
Gifu City (Gifu). The total population is almost 11 million. Over
2,000 U.S. citizens live in the three prefectures. Besides the
American Consu-late, Nagoya hosts the South Korean and Brazilian
Consulates General, and the Australian, British, and Canadian
Consulates. There is also an economic/commercial office of the
French embassy. The State of West Virginia has a representative
office in Nagoya.
The post has three American officers and eight Japanese staff
(there are also four part-time contract guards). The diplomatic
title of all three U.S. officers is consul. In charge of the post is
a State principal officer. Two Japanese staffs, an economic
assistant and an administrative assistant, work directly with the
principal officer. The public affairs officer is also the Director
of the Nagoya American Center and the other State officer at post.
The American Center’s staff includes a public affairs specialist, a
public affairs program assistant, an IRC assistant, and an
administrative assistant. The principal commercial officer is from
the Department of Commerce and supervises a commercial specialist
and a commercial assistant.
The post currently has two facilities, although plans are now
being drawn up to merge the two, with the Consulate leaving its
current location and shifting to the International Center Building
that houses the American Center. The principal officer and principal
commercial officer have their offices in the current Consulate,
located in the Nishiki SIS Bldg., 6th Floor, 10-33 Nishiki 3-chome,
Naka-ku, Nagoya. The telephone number is 052-203-4011. The Commerce
Department staff can be reached by calling 052-203-4277. The
Consulate’s fax number is 052-201-4612. The public affairs officer
is responsible for USG public affairs, press, and cultural
activities in the region. The American Center is located in the
Nagoya International Center Building, about a 10-minute walk from
the Consulate. The address is Nagoya Kokusai Center Building, 6th
Floor, 47-1, Nagono l-chome, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya. The telephone
number there is 052-581-8631, and the fax number is 052-581-3190.
Both the Consulate and American Center are in downtown Nagoya and
are within easy walking distance of major subway lines. Both have
official vehicles but neither has a driver.
The post has a wide range of responsibilities and activities in
Nagoya and the surrounding region. The principal officer, who
reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Mission in Tokyo, is
responsible for implementing the Mission Program Plan (MPP) in the
region and is in charge of the administration and management of the
post. Particular emphasis is placed at Consulate Nagoya on reporting
on economic and business developments within the region. Following
local political developments and trends is another important
Consulate function. The post deals closely with local government
officials, Japanese national government representatives in Nagoya,
and business leaders in supporting U.S. commercial interests. Major
projects such as those described above are, of course, of special
interest to this post. Consulate officers are in regular contact
with the resident American business community in Nagoya; the post
works side by side with the American Chamber of Commerce (ACCJ)
Chubu chapter which has its offices in Nagoya. All three U.S.
officers frequently will be asked to participate in social functions
and attendance at those is an important professional obligation.
Organizations such as the Aichi Japan-America Society regularly host
dinners and other events to which Consulate personnel are invited.
In addition, the principal officer has extensive representational
entertaining responsibilities.
The post carries out a variety of public affairs activities.
Expert American speakers are invited under the Public Diplomacy
Speaker Program to speak to Japanese policy makers in areas such as
economics, security, environment, culture and society about current
trends in the U.S. The International Visitors (IV) Program selects
young Japanese leaders with only a limited knowledge of the U.S. and
invites them to participate in month-long study tours of the U.S.
Other public affairs activities include press relations,
specifically press conferences held for visiting USG officials. The
principal officer is also responsible for taking an active role in
public diplomacy, with a regular schedule of speeches, meetings with
the press, participation in seminars, etc.
Consular services for the Nagoya consular district are largely
the responsibility of Consulate General Osaka. Consulate Nagoya does
not issue visas for travel to the U.S. by foreign nationals nor
passports to American citizens. Moreover, routine American Citizens
Services such as notarials are only done at Nagoya during the
monthly visit by a consular officer from ConGen Osaka. However,
Nagoya does provide emergency services to American citizens. For
instance, a Nagoya officer will make the first visit to an arrested
American and report the case; thereafter, responsibility for the
case reverts to Osaka. Consulate Nagoya can also provide a travel
letter to a stranded American whose passport has been lost or
stolen, but this is usually only in the case of an emergency. The
Consulate also provides basic information and forms and refers
callers to appropriate offices either at Embassy Tokyo or ConGen
Osaka. All three U.S. officers share the duty officer
responsibility, alternating in periods of about 1 month.
Virtually, all arrivals of newly assigned personnel to Japan will
be at New Tokyo International Airport at Narita, about 35 miles
outside of Tokyo. Personnel assigned to Nagoya and other constituent
posts are normally given consultations at Embassy Tokyo en route to
post, and are also provided with assistance with onward travel
arrangements. There is an important and quite extensive check-in
procedure that must be done at Embassy Tokyo. You will be met if you
notify the Embassy in advance of arrival, but the arrival date must
be on a non-holiday weekday. To ensure that you are met you should
notify the Embassy of your arrival well in advance, providing
details about the number of travelers and any special requirements
(such as pets). Follow-on travel to Nagoya from Tokyo by Shinkansen
takes less than 2 hours. Should your travel not include Tokyo
consultations or should those be deferred for some reason, Nagoya
International Airport does have direct flights that come in from the
U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Continental, Delta, and Northwest all have
offices in Nagoya. Whether you are coming into Nagoya from Tokyo or,
in rare cases, directly from the U.S., please let the Embassy and
the Consulate know what your plans are as far in advance as
possible.
Employees should also coordinate HHE and airfreight shipments
through Embassy Tokyo. The Consulate’s administrative assistant will
coordinate efforts with the Embassy’s Transportation Section to get
employees’ effects through customs and delivered as quickly as
possible.
U.S. officers at Consulate Nagoya may use Embassy Tokyo’s APO
facility. All letters, magazines, and packages should be sent
through the Tokyo APO; this mail is forwarded in the daily
unclassified pouch to Nagoya. The reverse is also true: letters and
packages are sent to the Embassy from Nagoya every day for shipment
via APO to the U.S. Stamps can be obtained via the Embassy’s APO.
Delivery time for mail sent via APO is 7-10 days. The address is:
Name U.S. Consulate Nagoya Unit 45004, Box 280 APO AP 96337 5004
The Consulate’s administrative assistant is able to cash checks
for Consulate personnel but there are restrictions based on the
limited amount of cash on hand.
Employment opportunities for spouses are limited primarily to
English teaching jobs.
Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All U.S. staff assigned to Consulate Nagoya have USG-leased and
furnished quarters. Information about the leased properties is
current as of November 2000 but, of course, is subject to change.
Housing
Permanent Housing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The principal officer lives in a Western-style house that was
completed in 2000. It is located in the eastern part of the city
about 40 minutes away from the Consulate by car. The subway ride
with the 10-minute walk to the subway stop and the short walk to the
Consulate at the other end is also about 40 minutes. The Nagoya
International School (see p. 37) bus pick-up point is very near the
subway station. The two-story house has a living room, separate
dining room, den and/or guestroom (with bath), kitchen, and guest
bathroom downstairs. The refrigerator and stove are U.S.-made. The
house comes equipped with china and tableware for representational
entertaining. Small appliances such as a microwave ovens and mixers
are not provided. Downstairs there is also a two-car garage that can
be accessed through the kitchen. There is a medium-sized freezer and
a smaller-scale refrigerator in the garage. There are four bedrooms
upstairs. The master bedroom has its own bath along with two walk-in
closets. The second floor has another bathroom. There is also a
laundry room (more accurately, a laundry closet) with a U.S.-sized
washer/dryer arrangement. The house has high-tech heating and
cooling systems. The backyard is very large by Japanese standards
and has a concrete and brick patio area with lawn beyond. There is a
high steel fence along part of the front and all around the sides
and back of the property, with one locked gate to one side of the
house. Television service to the house is by cable; should the
occupant wish to do so, the cable system can be connected to CNN,
BBC, Cartoon Network, and other English-language programming. The
morning English-language edition of a major Japanese newspaper is
delivered to the house. Both the cable hook-up and the newspaper are
at the expense of the occupant.
The public affairs officer’s home is located in an old
established residential area in the eastern part of Nagoya about 45
minutes away from the American Center either by car or subway. There
are two subway stops about 10-15 minutes away from the apartment.
The apartment is a comfortable three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath
Western-style unit that overlooks a neighbor’s splendid Japanese
garden. One additional large room serves as the living room with a
sectioned-off area for a dining room table and buffet. There are two
good-sized storage closets, and each bedroom has adequate closet
space. Although the refrigerator, freezer, washer and dryer are
U.S.-made, the stove and dishwasher are Japanese-made and are small
compared to American appliances. Small appliances as in the Consul’s
home, are not provided. There are heating and cooling units in each
room. There is one covered, assigned parking space in the basement
of the building.
The principal commercial officer lives in a modern, spacious
three-bedroom apartment located in a residential neighborhood
approximately 40 minutes away from post by subway (the closest
subway is a 7-minute walk). The apartment comes equipped with a full
kitchen, washer and dryer. Parking for one vehicle is provided in a
garage under the building. Although furnished with
representational-grade items, the apartment does not come with china
and tableware for entertaining.
Housing
Utilities and Equipment Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Electricity in Nagoya is 100v, 60-cycles, so many U.S.-made
electric appliances can be used without adjustment. However,
televisions, radios, VCRs, and clocks intended for use in the U.S.
will not work well in this area because of frequency and/or timing
problems. A VCR, for instance, might work for playback only but not
record well because the timing would be askew. Electric sockets are
compatible with regular two-prong, U.S. plugs, but three-prong
sockets with grounding are rare.
Food Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Shopping for groceries and other goods in Japan follows a simple
rule of thumb: you can get most anything you want if you are willing
to pay for it. One important factor in the cost of living for USG
personnel in Nagoya is that the long distance to Embassy and U.S.
military facilities makes living in Chubu much more expensive than
at posts with USG facilities nearby.
Clothing Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Nagoya, like all large Japanese cities, has world-class
department stores, specialty food shops selling an ample selection
of imported goods, wine and liquor stores, and fashionable
boutiques. Those are all predictably expensive. But Nagoya also
offers less costly shops that may be in less convenient locations or
provide a somewhat lower standard of packaging or presentation but
still offer high-quality goods. Also, large, lower-cost, high-volume
retailers, American stores among them, are increasingly in evidence
in the Nagoya area and these firms are adding to the variety of
goods sold and increasing price competition. In short, the key to
getting the most for your money in Nagoya, as elsewhere, is to know
where to look; for that purpose, the Consulate is putting together a
booklet with information about grocery stores, restaurants, and
other outlets for incoming personnel.
Education
Dependent Education
At Post Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM Nagoya’s only
English-speaking school is the Nagoya International School (NIS),
which offers a U.S.-based education program. The school has over 300
students in kindergarten through grade 12 college preparatory
curriculum. The post educational allowance covers tuition and some
other educational expenses. NIS is accredited by the Western
Association of Schools and Colleges. A large proportion of the
faculty has advanced degrees. Facilities dating back from the later
’60s and early ’70s are well-maintained. A new gymnasium and arts
center was dedicated in 1999. The school’s location is about 30
minutes from the eastern part of the city where the principal
officer lives and about 45 minutes from the more central area where
the two other American officers have their homes. Both areas are
served by buses operated by the school. The principal officer serves
as a member of the Board of Trustees.
Recreation and Social Life Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Living in Nagoya. For U.S. officials assigned to Japan, Nagoya
provides an especially strong encounter with the Japanese and their
way of life. Consulate Nagoya personnel live in Japanese
neighborhoods, not in a compound with other Americans. Contacts in
and around Nagoya are less likely to speak English, so Japanese
language skills are going to be tested every day. Local and regional
news, whether on television or radio or in the regional newspaper,
is going to be in Japanese, further testing language skills. The
lack of any Embassy commissary or U.S. military bases in the area
(the nearest base is about 4 hours away by car) means that Consulate
personnel are going to encounter more Japanese and fewer Americans
in the daily give-and-take of shopping and locating services.
Among the best features of life in Nagoya are the city’s own
cultural attractions, its location in the midst of some of Japan’s
greatest historic sites, and its natural setting with both seacoast
and mountains nearby. Few of the ancient temples and shrines that
once dotted the city exist any longer but those that do, such as
Atsuta Shrine, are well worth a visit. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had such
an important role in the city’s history, and his descendants are
featured in the Tokugawa Museum, a splendid collection of weapons,
armor, artworks, and other artifacts from that era in Japanese
history. Tokugawa’s castle, restored in the 1950s, is a great
structure that visitors can enter and explore inside. The Nagoya
Boston Museum has an impressive collection of treasures from ancient
Egypt, Greece, and Rome along with more modern works of art on
display; the works are on long-term loan from the Boston Museum. The
new Aichi Performing Arts Center is a huge complex with a concert
hall, theaters, and museum space. The city also has numerous parks,
among which is Higashiyama Koen, with a beautiful Japanese garden as
well as a great zoo.
Using Nagoya as a base, some of Japan’s greatest historic sites
are within easy reach. Kyoto, for instance, is about an hour and a
half away by car and 45 minutes away by train, a fairly easy day
trip. Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture, among the best-known and most
beautiful of Japan’s shrines, can also be reached in less than 2
hours. Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, where an ancient part of city
remains intact and where traditional Japanese craft-making is still
preserved, is probably too far for a day trip but can easily be
visited in a weekend. There are also old post towns set in the
mountains that are around Nagoya to the north and west. The
mountains are an attraction themselves; some of Japan’s tallest
peaks are not far from Nagoya, making hiking and skiing easy to do
for those posted here. If you want to ski, bring your boots,
clothes, and other equipment; there are plenty of ski slopes in the
nearby mountains.
Nagoya has a well-deserved reputation for being very hot and
humid in the summer. Winters are cool to cold, but are milder with
each passing year. These days it snows only rarely, perhaps one
snowfall in Nagoya itself each winter.
Special Information Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
Nagoya has a number of quality hospitals with English-speaking
personnel. There are a number of U.S.-trained doctors and dentists
who are well-acquainted with the Consulate and its staff and are
very helpful. There are also English-speaking druggists.
Post can provide any incoming personnel or prospective bidder
more detailed information on both educational and medical issues
upon request.
Notes For Travelers
Getting to the Post Last Updated: 1/19/2005 10:47 PM
Northwest and United Airlines offer several flights daily from
the U.S. to Tokyo. American, Delta, and Continental Airlines also
provide service. Flight time varies from 9 to 14 hours, depending on
the route. In notifying the Embassy and other posts of your arrival
time, do not fail to consider the international date line. Also, you
should plan your routing to comply with required contract carrier
schedules.
All international flights (except China Airlines, which operates
between Japan and Taiwan out of Haneda) arrive and depart from the
Tokyo International Airport at Narita. American airlines, Northwest
and United are served at terminal 1. Continental Airlines and Delta
Air Lines are served at Terminal 2. Clearance at Customs,
Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) is fast and courteous. Personnel
arriving on initial assignment to post may be provided
transportation from the Tokyo International Airport if they arrive
on workdays and during regular work hours. Please advise the Embassy
as soon as your arrival plans are firm. However, only one vehicle
trip from Narita to downtown Tokyo is authorized per family.
Personnel on temporary duty and other official visitors are expected
to use public transportation facilities because of the time and
costs involved in providing official transportation to and from
downtown Tokyo. Public transportation via airport limousine bus is
recommended; it can be taken to a number of downtown hotels,
including the Okura and ANA which are close to the Embassy and the
housing compound, or to the Tokyo City Air Terminal (TCAT). Train
routing is complicated and taxi fares are prohibitive. Persons using
public transportation facilities into Tokyo are encouraged to limit
accompanying baggage to two pieces plus one carry-on in view of
limited baggage space available on the carriers.
Advise the Management Minister-Counselor, Unit 45003, P.O. Box
209, APO AP 96337, of travel plans.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Customs and Duties Last Updated: 1/19/2005 11:10 PM
Consign airfreight (UAB), seafreight (HHE) and Personally Owned
Vehicles (POV) to the post of destination, marked "For (employee’s
name)." The posts in Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Naha
handle the clearance of consignments to those posts. Send to the
posts concerned packing lists and airway bill/ocean bill of lading.
Consign UAB, HHE and personally owned vehicles (POV) as follows:
For Tokyo: American Embassy (Employee’s name) Tokyo, Japan Port
of Discharge for HHE and POV: YokohamaTokyo, Japan Airport of
Destination for UAB: New Tokyo International Airport (Narita)
For Sapporo: American Consulate General (Employee’s name)
Sapporo, Japan Port of Discharge for HHE and POV: Tomakomai
Airport of destination for UAB: Shin Chitose Airport
Or
American Embassy
Tokyo, Japan
For (Employee’s name) American Consulate General
Sapporo, Japan Port of Discharge for HHE and POV: Yokohama
For Osaka-Kobe: American Consulate General (Employee’s name)
Osaka-Kobe Port of Discharge for HHE and POV: Kobe
Airport of Destination: Kansai International Airport
For Fukuoka: American Consulate (Employee’s name) Fukuoka, Japan
Port of Discharge for HHE and POV: Hakata
Airport of Destination for UAB: Fukuoka International Airport
For Naha: American Consulate General (Employee’s name) Naha,
Okinawa Port of Discharge for HHE and POV: Naha
Airport of Destination for UAB: Naha Airport
For Nagoya: American Consulate (Employee’s name) Nagoya, Japan
Port of Discharge: Nagoya
Airport of Destination for UAB: Nagoya
HHE and UAB shipments can be cleared through customs prior to the
owner’s arrival at post. However, since storage facilities at post
are limited, shipment of both UAB and HHE should be timed to arrive
at post one week to 10 days prior to the traveler's arrival at post.
It is essential that you time the shipment of personally owned
vehicles to arrive at post at least three to four weeks after your
arrival in Japan, since vehicles cannot be cleared until the owner
is physically present in the country and obtains a Japanese Driver's
License.
Forward shipping information, including original bills of lading
on any surface shipments (HHE and vehicles) together with inventory
lists by the fastest means possible to the Transportation Unit of
the General Services Office, American Embassy, Tokyo (or to the
principal officer at Naha, Osaka-Kobe, Nagoya, and Fukuoka) in order
to avoid costly demurrage charges at the port of discharge in Japan.
The ports can handle both containerized and break bulk shipments;
no restrictions are imposed on size or weight. Average transit time
from U.S. to Japan for air freight is 7–10 days; for surface
shipments to the port of Yokohama, 1 month. After the arrival of
shipment, it takes about a week to 10 days to clear the shipments
under diplomatic procedures.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Passage Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
All personnel assigned to the Mission and their accompanying
dependents must have appropriate visas for entry. Failure to comply
with this request may result in denial of entry or a trip out of
Japan, at the employee’s personal expense, in order to adjust visa
status. At best, the employee will be forced to make a long, tedious
return trip to the airport to arrange proper documentation. Official
visitors also require visas; those arriving without proper visas
usually are subjected to the same follow-up procedure, and the
Embassy can give no assurance that this procedure will not be
followed even if the time in country is limited to fewer than 72
hours. Personnel arriving from the U.S. need no special
immunizations. Those arriving directly from other areas of the world
must make certain they have appropriate inoculations to enter Japan.
The airline or transportation office at your point of departure will
have this information.
Customs, Duties, and Passage
Pets Last Updated: 1/18/2005 0:25 AM
Effective November 6, 2004, the procedure of impotation of dogs,
cats, raccoons, foxes, and skunks has changed. The quarantine time
will be reduced from current levels (14 days) to only 12 hours,
providing the additional requirements and documentation have been
met. Without the required documents, the maximum quarantine time can
be 180 days. Animal quarantine service (AQS) officials advise that
the entire process can take up to 6 months to complete. (Note: If
you are importing pets from designated areas/countries, there may be
different requirements to those listed in this report.)
The basic steps for importing accompanied pets are:
1. Implant a microchip for identification of the pets.
2. Get two rabies shots within the effective interval.
3. Get a blood test after the second rabies shot.
4. Make advance notification of the pet importation to AQS no
later than 40 days prior to arrival. The form for advance
notification will be available through the AWS website beginning
January 2005.
5. The pet must stay in the exporting country at least 180 days
but no more than 2 years after the date of blood sampling.
6. Upon arrival, submit the following documents to AQS:
A. Health Certificate
B. Two Rabies Vaccination Certificates.
C. Advance Notification Acknowledgement sent from AQS.
D. Import Quarantine Application Form.
When importing pets as unaccompanied cargo, the steps include:
1. Submit the documentation the same as accompanied pets. (Cargo
importation required more time and expense.)
2. The owner of the pet(s) is not required to be present in order
to apply for quarantine inspection. A proxy can make the
application.
3. The Narita Quarantine Service charges a detention fee of
approximately JPY. 3,000 per day or more depending on size for all
pets, which includes basic boarding, food, and care for the pet.
4. Other costs may be incurred for transportation fees, kennel
customs clearances, import tax, and a proxy charge depending on the
pet and other circumstances.
Note: It is recommended that the pets be imported accompanied, as
the process seems to be easier.
MAFF Grace period. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and
Fisheries (MAFF) has granted a grace period for pets aged 10 months
or older. From November 6, 2004 to June 6, 2005, these pets may be
imported using either the existing requirements or the new
requirements. Starting June 7, 2005, all pets must follow the new
requirements.
Employees wishing to import a pet into Japan should visit the
website: http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/ryoko/index.htm for
detailed information. Employees may also contact the animal
quarantine office at Narita at 81-476-32-6664; fax +81-476-30-3011.
Firearms and Ammunition Last Updated: 1/18/2005 0:22 AM
Firearms and Ammunition
Local law prohibits the purchase and/or importation of personally
owned firearms. Therefore, post will neither approve, endorse nor
sanction the importation of personally owned firearms or ammunition
into Japan by pouch, or in an employee’s household effects.
Prohibited Articles
The following articles are prohibited entry by the Japanese Law.
-Opium, narcotics, drugs and utensils for opium smoking,
stimulants (including Vicks Inhalers and Sudafed), pychotropic
substances (excluding those designated by an ordinance of the
Ministry of Health and Walfare)
-Counterfeit, altered, or imitated coins, paper money, banknotes,
or securities
-Books, drawings, carvings, and any other articles which injures
public security or morals (obscene or immoral materials, i.e.,
Pornography)
-Articles which infrings upon rights for patents, utility-models,
designs, trademarks, copyrights, neighboring rights, or
layout-design of integrated circuits
-Firearms (pistols, rifles, machine guns, etc.) ammunition
(bullets) thereof, and/or firearm parts.
Shipment of Medications
For shipping of your personal medications, you are encouraged to
utilize the APO postal system or State Department pouch mail.
Currency, Banking, and Weights and Measures Last Updated:
7/31/2001 6:00 PM
The unit of currency in Japan is the yen. Bills are in
denominations of ¥10,000, ¥1,000. Coins are ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10 and
¥1. Japanese currency floats on international markets so exchange
rates can vary dramatically. In calendar year 2000, the exchange
rate has averaged about ¥107 to the U.S. dollar.
Japan uses the metric system of weights and measures
Taxes, Exchange, and Sale of Property Last Updated: 7/31/2001
6:00 PM
Restrictions
U.S. Government personnel and dependents are not subject to
Japanese income tax on salary or allowances received from the U.S.
Government or other income generated outside Japan. Income received
from employment within Japan is, however, subject to Japanese income
tax. Nondiplomatic personnel, including administrative and technical
staff of the Embassy and consular posts, must pay fees for hunting
licenses and drivers licenses. U.S. Government personnel in Japan
who are not attached to the Embassy or consular posts are subject to
road tax, weight tax, and inspection fees for registration and
operation of personally owned vehicles as well.
Embassy policy is to limit the importation of personal property
to quantities adequate for the personal use of the employee and
accompanying dependents. Customs import regulations require that for
a minimum of 2 years, any personal effects imported must be retained
for the purpose intended.
The Ministry will authorize qualified personnel (i.e., diplomatic
and consular staff plus administrative and technical staff) the
tax-free importation of HHE, UAB and a POV during their tour of duty
in Japan. Such importation must take place within 6 months after
arrival at post; however, diplomatic and consular personnel are
exempted from this 6-month time limitation.
Cars imported by employees can be sold only after they have been
registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 2 years.
Exceptions are made only when emergency circumstances warrant.
Address requests for any additional information concerning these
matters to the administrative minister-counselor at the Embassy.
Facilities
The Embassy cashier provides accommodation exchange services at
the cashier’s office. The service is provided for the convenience of
U.S. Government employees and for dependents for whom a power of
attorney is on file. Accommodation exchange is provided only for
Japanese yen and U.S. dollars. For those leaving post, the cashier
provides an opportunity to sell back excess Japanese yen.
A complete range of banking services is available. U.S. currency
is available at the Embassy cashier, the military banking facility
at the New Sanno Hotel, and at several local banks. Travelers checks
are available at the American Express office at the Embassy for a
small fee.
Most personnel maintain a dollar checking account at a U.S. bank.
They have their salary deposited into the account by electronic fund
transfer (EFT). Personnel may cash checks with the Embassy cashier.
Dependent spouses who find employment outside the Embassy may set
up a yen account. Many companies use EFT to pay employees while
others pay in check or cash. Bank account charges are nominal.
Recommended Reading Last Updated: 7/31/2001 6:00 PM
These titles are provided as a general indication of the material
published on this country. The Department of State does not endorse
unofficial publications.
Challenges and Opportunities in United States-Japan Relations.
Report of the United States-Japan Advisory Commission. GPO, 1984.
Christopher, Robert C. The Japanese Mind.
De Mente, Boye L. Japan Made Easy. Passport Books: 1990.
De Mente, Boye L. The Kata Factor. Phoenix Books/Publishers.
Reischauer, Edwin O. The Japanese. Harvard University Press,
1978.
Ward Robert E. Japan’s Political System. Prentice-Hall Inc.,
1978.
Local Holidays Last Updated: 1/19/2005 11:01 PM
The following holidays are typically observed by the U.S. Mission
and the dates shown below may change:
New Year's Day January 1 Adult's Day January 10 Martin Luther
King's Birthday January 17 National Foundation Day February 11
Washington's Birthday February 21
Greenery Day April 29 Constitution Day May 3 Memorial Day May 30
Independence Day July 4 Marine Day July 18 Labor Day September 5
Respect for the Aged Day September 19 Autumnal Equinox Day September
24 Columbus Day October 10 Culture Day November 3 Veterans' Day
November 11 Thanksgiving Day November 24 Labor Thanksgiving Day
November 23 Emperor's Birthday December 23 Christmas Day December 25
Japanese holidays that fall on Sunday are observed on Monday.
Please see current
Admin Notice for updated schedule of holidays. |