okijetwebmaster Okinawa 101

Mental Health

In September 2014, CLAIR has issued a change in the JET Programme Support System for counseling and mental health. In order to have professional support for counseling and mental health accessible, CLAIR has established a new Mental Health Counseling Assistance Programme. Reimbursement subsidies will be provided to each JET participants for 50% of counseling costs incurred through consultation with a mental health professional in Japan. The maximum annual amount provided per JET participant will be 10,000 Japanese yen. Applying for the subsidy will be conducted through their contracting organizations. PAs will no longer provide counseling for mental health issues, but rather assist in directing JET participants to professional counseling or mental health support experts.

Here are some resources:

On-Island:

Name: Yamamoto Clinic
Location: 2-30-7 ISO Urasoe (浦添市伊祖２－３０－７)
Phone Number: 098-879-3303
Language: English and Japanese
Specialties: Stress, Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Gender Identity Disorder, Neuropsychiatry and Transcultural Psychiatry as specialties.

Name: Dr. Adrian Arce
Location: Uruma
Phone Number: 090-6427-1520
Language: English, Japanese, Spanish,Portuguese
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Parenting Support, Grief Counseling, Work and Career issues, Stress Management, Addiction & Recovery, Conflict Resolution
Notes: Location, it would seem, is given upon making an appointment. Can make inquiry through email or phone.

Off-Island:

Name: Lil Willis
Location: Kobe
Phone Number: 0081-(0)78-453-1030
Language: English only
Specialties: “I have developed particular expertise with working with trauma (especially the effects of abuse, violence and difficult childhood circumstances), relationship difficulties, family/child-related issues, domestic violence, and sexuality as well as cultural differences and issues linked to migration and bi-cultural families. As a result I specialize in relational and attachment-related therapy for adults who find they struggle with the after-effects, as well as working with children who are experiencing difficulties. I also have an interest not only in helping people navigate through immediate crises or severe issues but enabling people who feel stuck or frustrated to develop the full potential of their lives.
Notes: Available for Skype sessions. In Japan, I have been working in private practice on similar issues, particularly cultural adjustment (in both directions) and family relationships between Japanese and non-Japanese couples and their children as well as resident non-Japanese. I also work with emotional issues in an international school, offer training and work with community groups (for migrant women and domestic violence and also issues related to sexuality and gender identity) and am looking to set up a community project of my own.”

Name: IMHPJ
Information: International Mental Health Professionals Japan (IMHPJ) is an interdisciplinary network of individuals and organizations providing mental health care, therapy and related services to the people of the various nationalities living in Japan.

Other English Resources

Name: Amda International Medical Information Center
Phone Number: (03) 5285-8088
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Notes: Information about the Japanese medical system and counseling on medical issues.

Name: Tokyo English Life Line (TELL)
Phone Number: (03) 5774-0992
Hours: Daily 9am-11pm
Notes: Information and assistance with any aspect of life in Japan. Can provide referrals to other resources.

Name: 12 Step Okinawa
Notes: An umbrella group for 12 stepprograms on Okinawa such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.Requires base access mostly, but seems to have some meetings off-base.

Name: AJET Peer Support Group (PSG)
Phone number: (050) 5534-5566
Hours: Available every day from 8:00pm-7:00am

okijetwebmaster Okinawa 101

List of Hospitals

Block 1: Kunigami

Okinawa Hokubu Hospital (北部病院)
Address: 2-12-3 Onaka, Nago City
Telephone: (098) 052-2719

Northern Okinawa Medical Center (Hokubu Chiku Ishikai Byōin 北部地区医師会病院)
Address: 1712-3 Umusa, Nago City
Telephone: (098) 054-1111

Higashi Sonritsu Sinryosho (東村立診療所)
Address: 471-24 Taira, Higashi-son
Telephone: (098) 051-2200

Nakijin Sinryoujo (今帰仁診療所)
Address: 139 Jana, Nakijin-son
Telephone: (098) 056-3581

Onna Clinic (恩納クリニック)
Address: 6329 Onna, Onna-son
Telephone: (098) 966-8115

Block 2: Upper Chubu

Nakagami Hospital (中頭病院)
Address: 6-25-5 Chibana, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 939-9826

Chubu Kyodo Hospital (中部協同病院)
Address: 1-31-13 Misato, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 938-8828

Awase Daiichi Clinic (アワセ第一医院)
Address: 2-54-26 Awase, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 937-5536

Chibana Clinic (ちばなクリニック)
Address: 6-25-15 Chibana, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 939-1301

Chubu Tokushukai Hospital (中部徳洲会病院)
Address: 3-20-1 Teruya, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 937-1110

Genka’s Clinic (源河医院)
Address: 1-18-7 Chuou, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 937-4976

Chubu Sanfujinka Iin (中部産婦人科医院)
Address: 1-3-20 Ageda, Okinawa City
Telephone: (098) 937-8878

Kitanakagusuku Wakamatsu Hospital (北中城若松病院)
Address: 311 Aza-ogusuku, Kitanakagusuku-son, Nakagami-gun
Telephone: (098) 859-1941

Heart Life Hospital (ハートライフ病院)
Address: 208 Aza-Ijyu, Nakagusuku-son
Telephone: (098) 895-3255

Tamaki Family Clinic (玉城ファミリークリニック)
Address: 245 Toya, Yomitan-son
Telephone: (098) 956-1236

Block 3: Lower Chubu

Adventist Medical Center (アドベンチスト・メテイカルセンター)
Address: 868 Kōchi, Nishihara-cho
Telephone: (098) 946-2833

Ryukyu University Hospital (琉球大学病院)
Address: 207 Uehara, Nishihara-cho
Telephone: (098) 895-3331

Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital (沖縄県立中部病院)
Address: 281 Aza-Miyazato Uruma City
Telephone: (098) 973-4111

Oomine Clinic (大嶺医院)
Address: 1417 Taba, Uruma City
Telephone: (098) 973-1125

Urasoe General Hospital (浦添総合病院)
Address: 4-16-1 Iso, Urasoe City
Telephone: (098) 878-0231

Makiminato Central Hospital (牧港中央病院)
Address: 1199 Makiminato, Urasoe City
Telephone: (098) 878-8630

Clinica Inami (クリニカ　いなみ)
Address: 2-46-12-503 Makiminato, Urasoe City
Telephone: (098) 874-7778

Nakamura Clinic (名嘉村クリニック)
Address: 4-2-1 Iso, Urasoe City
Telephone: (098) 870-6600

Yamamoto Clinic (山本クリニック)
Address: 2-30-7 Iso, Urasoe City
Telephone: (098) 879-3303

National Hospital Organization Okinawa National Hospital (独立行政法人 国立病院機構 沖縄病院)
Address: 3-20-14 Ganeko, Ginowan City
Telephone: (098) 898-2121

Kaiho Hospital (Kaiho Byōin 海邦病院)
Address: 2-23-5 Mashiki, Ginowan City
Telephone: (098) 898-2111

Ginowan Kinen Hospital (宜野湾記念病院)
Address: 3-3-13 Ginowan, Ginowan City
Telephone: (098) 893-2101

Aichi Clinic (愛知クリニック)
Address: 16-1 Aichi, Ginowan City
Telephone: (098) 892-3511

Nishihira Clinic (西平医院)
Address: 2-2-2 Akamichi, Ginowan City
Telephone: (098) 896-0024

Block 4: Naha

Ohama Daiichi Hospital (大浜第一病院)
Address: 1000 Ameku, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 866-5171

Naha City Hospital (那覇市立病院)
Address: 2-31-41 Furujima, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 884-5111

Okinawa Red Cross Hospital (沖縄赤十字病院)
Address: 1-3-1 Yogi, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 853-3134

Okinawa Central Hospital (沖縄セントラル病院)
Address: 1-26-6 Yogi, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 854-5511

Nishimachi Clinic (西町クリニック)
Address: 3-4-1 Nishi, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 867-0010

Oura Clinic (おおうらクリニック)
Address: 3-4-22 Takara, Naha City
Telephone: (098) 859-1941

Block 5: Nanbu

Tomishiro Central Hospital (豊見城中央病院)
Address: 25 Ueta, Tomigusuku City
Telephone: (098) 850-3811

Nanbu Tokushukai Hospital (南部徳洲会病院)
Address: 80 Hokama, Yaese-cho
Telephone: (098) 998-3221

Block 6: Other Islands

in progress…

Block 7: Miyako

Miyako Hospital (宮古病院)
Address: 807 Higashi-nakasone, Hirara, Miyakojima City
Telephone: (098) 072-3151

Umuyasumyaasu・N Clinic (うむやすみゃあす・ん 診療所)
Address: 1477-4 Hirara Shimazato, Miyakojima City
Telephone: (098) 073-3854

Block 8: Yaeyama

Okinawa Prefectural Yaeyama Hospital (八重山病院)
Address: 732 Okawa, Ishigaki City
Telephone: (098) 083-2525

Ishigaki-jima Tokushukai Hospital (石垣島徳洲会病院)
Address: 446-1 Minamiohama, Ohama, Ishigaki City
Telephone: (098) 088-0123

Website Links

http://www.oihf.or.jp/kouryuu/eigo/medical-infomation.pdf
http://www.city.urasoe.lg.jp/archive/8761234/kokusai/guidebook/healthcare.html

Free, anonymous HIV testing is available at several clinics in Okinawa.

In Okinawa, there are centers in Haebaru, Naha, Okinawa City, Nago, Miyako and Ishigaki.

There are two types of HIV tests you can take: the “regular” test (you have to go back a week later to get the results), and the “same day” test. Both tests are anonymous and free of charge, but you may have to pay for other STD tests. At some clinics you can just show up, but at others you have to make an appointment.

You have to fill out a short form where you write down your “name” and age. You can write anything you want for your “name” : your initials, just your first name, a complete pseudonym, whatever. They copy it down, along with an ID number so that you can use it for identification when you come and get your results.

After the short ID form, there is a long form asking about health history, sex partners, needle use, why you are having the test, etc. It is all in Japanese, and there is no English copy, although they said they may get an English translation made in the near future.　(Update: this may not be the case anymore, but editor has not had personal experience)

After filling out the forms, you go to get blood drawn. If you do the same day test, it takes about an hour for the results No matter which test you do, you have to meet with the doctor to get the results. You also have to hang on to the paper with your ID number, “name” and age on it, because it is the only way to prove that you are the person who took the test.

The following locations have HIV/AIDS testing facilities. All of them list that they test for Syphilis (梅毒(ばいどく)), Chlamydia (クラミジア), and Hepatitis B & C (B, C型(がた)肝炎(かんえん)).

Nanbu Public Health and Welfare Center (南部福祉保健所)
Location: ２１２ Miyahira, Haebaru.
Phone number: 098-889-6591
Same-day testing: Tues/Weds 9:00-10:30, 13:00-14:00 (by appointment) Thursday morning 9:00-10:30 (by appointment).
Normal testing: Mon/Fri 9:00-10:30, 13:00-15:00, Thursday afternoon: 13:00-15:00.
Night testing (results available same-day): Second Wednesday of the month, by appointment (taken until 17:15 the day before): 17:30-19:30

Hokubu Public Health and Welfare Center (北部福祉保健所)
Location: 2 Chome-13-1 Onaka, Nago.
Phone Number: 0980-52-2714.
Same-day testing: Tues/Thurs 9:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00 (by appointment)

Miyako Public Health and Welfare Center (宮古福祉保健所)
Location: Higashinakasone-４７６ Hirara, Miyakojima.
Phone Number: 0980-73-5074
Same-day testing: Tues/Thurs 9:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00

Chubu Public Health and Welfare Center (中部福祉保健所)
Location: 1 Chome-6-28 Mihara, Okinawa City. Near Misato Kouen Mae (美里公園前) Bus stop.
Phone Number: 098-938-9886.
Same-day Testing: Tues/Weds 9:00-11:00, 13:00-16:00 (by appointment).
Normal Testing: Thurs 9:00-11:00, 13:00-16:00.
Night testing (results available same-day): Third Wednesday of the month, 17:30-19:45 (by appointment)
Notes: Specifically welcomes foreigners.

Yaedake Public Health and Welfare Center (八重山福祉保健所)
Location: 438 Maezato, Ishigakijima.
Phone Number: 0980-82-3240
Same-day Testing: Tues/Thurs 9:00-11:00, 13:00-15:00 (by appointment)

Naha Public Health and Welfare Center (那覇市保健所)
Location: 1 Chome-3-21 Yogi, Naha. near both Sekijuuji Byouin Mae (赤十字病院前) and Yogi Juujiro (与儀十字路) bus stops.
Phone Number: 098-853-7971
Same-Day Testing: Mon/Weds/Fri 9:00-11:30, 13:00-16:00.
Normal Testing: Tues/Thurs 9:00-11:30, 13:00-16:00.
Night testing (results available same-day): First Wednesday of the month, 17:30-20:00
Notes: Specifically welcomes foreigners, English consultation available.
If you have any questions or concerns about AIDS or HIV, you may also contact the AGAPE AIDS/HIV Hotline for 24-hour English-language assistance. Telephone: (0120) 46-1995.

okijetwebmaster Okinawa 101

Sending Money Home

Sending Money Home via Japan Post

  1. Preparations
    • Before you head off to a post office to send money home, you will need the following information to fill out the International Remittance form. You will only need this information if you are sending money to a bank account.
      • Bank Account Number
      • Bank Name
      • Bank Branch Name or Branch Code
      • Bank Branch Address
      • Bank Code or Routing Number
  2. Find a JP Post Office that offers International Remittance
    • Search Online
      • One way is to visit the Okinawa map on the JP Post website, click your area and click on the closest post office to you. Under the “貯金・ATM” tab (green tab) scroll down to the “取り扱い内容” (Services Offered) and see if they have a circle next to “国際送金” (kokusai soukin, International Remittance). If they do, check their hours and head there right away.
    • Ask the Bank Teller
      • If you’re already at a JP Post Office, you can ask the bank teller something on the lines of “kokusai soukin dekimasu ka (Can I send an international remittance here?)” If yes, they will probably hand your a form to fill out.
  3. Filling out the Form
    • There are two types of International Remittance
      • 住所あて送金 (jyuusho ate soukin, Remittance to Address) – this one will require a recipient at the address.
      • 口座あて送金 (kouza ate soukin, Remittance to Bank Account)
    • The best part of this process is that the form has English on it!
      • InternationalRemittance
    • Under purpose, write 生活費 which means “living expenses”
  4. Applying for the International Remittance
    • Give the bank teller the application form, the money, and your residence card. They will take a few minutes to confirm the bank account (if you are send to a bank account). Afterwards they will give you the breakdown of the exchange rate and service fee (2,500 yen). After all that is taken care of, they will give you a receipt and in a week or two your money will arrive in your home bank account.

Sending Money Home via GoRemit

The most widely known and used method is GoRemit. It means opening a remittance account GoRemit, which specialize in expat banking services. Sending money with GoRemit costs 2000 yen, not including the transfer fee from your Japanese bank account to your GoRemit account. On the other hand, most banks charge a 2500-3000 yen fee to receive the funds, so the total for using GoRemit could be more. In addition, unlike the post office, if you send before 3pm, the money is meant to be remitted same day. That’s a major plus over other methods.

(credit: survivingnjapan)

Sending Money Home via Western Union

The biggest drawback of using Western Union to receive money (i.e. you can’t in most locations) doesn’t apply when you want to transfer money. Indeed, you can transfer money out of Japan:

a) At one of the 8,700 Family Marts in Japan, whom Western Union has partnered with. (Search for one here, so long as you can read Japanese. Using a browser translation tool or Rikaichan or Rikaikun might help with this.)

b) At 7-11 ATMs, with whom Western Union has also joined forces. (Find an ATM here, in English.)

The more locations you can use Western Union, the more convenient it obviously is.

The details for using Western Union at Family Mart are available here. Keep in mind:

  • You need to register first, and if you want to use 7-11 must do so again separately.
  • You can only transfer money in person, but can add possible recipients to your account online.
  • The fees associated with the service are available here, and depend on the amount you send. (If you transfer less than 10,000 yen, the fee is 990 yen.)
  • The annual limit is 5 million yen (see here for other currency limits.)

The details for using Western Union at Seven Bank are available here. Keep in mind:

  • Again, if you do transfer money with Western Union, you’re not told the foreign exchange rate until after the funds arrive.
  • The annual total for sending money through Seven Bank is 8 million yen (see here for other currency limits.)
  • The fees are the same as Family Mart’s.

However, one major drawback is that with neither service are you told the exchange rate beforehand. This could leave you vulnerable to receive a bad rate. There’s also the fact that, to actually send money, you must go in person.

(credit: survivingnjapan)

Sending Money Home via your Japan Bank Account

It’s possible to transfer money overseas from many banks in Japan, although the specifics and costs of each varies. Some banks may require you to sign up for overseas remittance as a separate service. Also, some may only be able to remit to certain countries.

Fees will depend on the bank, although it will likely be more expensive than some of the other options mentioned above (3500 yen and up seems to be common). Unless you use a bank that provides these services in English, you’ll have to navigate the process in Japanese.

(credit: survivingnjapan)