Surving Japan
by spinshellStory by Dillon Font
Living in a foreign country is daunting, no matter how excellent your language skills are. Where can you turn to in Tokyo when you need a bit of a helping hand? Thankfully, you’re not the first person to question this, and multiple community-based organizations have risen up to provide English-language support for the gaijin both within and beyond the Yamanote loop.
Taking its name from the traditional wrapping cloth in Japan used to carry anything from bento to gifts to a friend’s house, Welcome Furoshiki provides support and information for newcomers to Japan.
A Welcome Furoshiki representative will come to your home, giving you a free welcome pack overflowing with English-language information on living life here. The representative can also answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Since 1983, over 15,000 families and individuals have benefited from the service.
Kanto Area: 03-5472-7074
Kansai Area: 06-6441-2584
Photo: Michelle May, Director of Sponsors and Public Relations and Sherry Hartsell, Director of Reps and Visits
TELL – Tokyo English Life Line
Operating since 1973, TELL has been a fantastic resource for foreigners who are simply overwhelmed after touching down in this foreign land. Originally intended as a suicide prevention help line, the non-profit organization has expanded its services to include pychiatric counseling, with professional counselors on-hand to deal with more dire situations. TELL can also help arrange hospital interpreters, provide information on international schools in Kanto, and even offer individual support packages to people with special needs.
TELL has also published a small book called Tell Me About Tokyo, which is a treasure trove of information, even including info on where to find shoes for big feet!
TELL is always looking for volunteer phone counselors.
Free, anonymous counseling: 03-5774-0992 9AM-11PM daily
TELL business office: 03-3498-0261
Anyone who is sexually active should periodically get tested for HIV/AIDS, but finding out where to get tests can be a nightmare.
The Japan HIV Center operates an English information line, where you can not only find out where to get tested, but also get referrals to doctors who can treat it if you are HIV+
Sadly, the English help line is only available on Saturdays from 12PM-3PM. Still, it is something. Call 03-5259-0256
Some information in English also exists on their website: www.npo-jhc.com
AMDA International Medical Information Center
Lord knows I’m terrified of the Japanese medical world, and this is coming from someone who can rub two kanji together and make a decent sentence. If I knew about this service when I had my kidney stone attack, maybe the taste in my mouth on Japanese medical treatment wouldn’t still have the taste of the suppository they accidently put in here.
Providing referrals to doctors, as well as info on the Japanese medical system in general (in English and in seven different languages!) can all be yours by calling them up at:
03-5285-8088. Open Monday to Friday, 9AM – 5PM. Best not to get sick on the off-hours.
Since 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous has been the main community-based organization dedicated to helping people deal with the demons of alcohol, internationally.
There are multiple AA groups in English, not only for those living in Kanto, but also on US military bases. The Tokyo English Language Intergroup operates a website and provides funds for magazine ads, in order to spread the word that AA does exist here in town.
If you are looking for a local group, point your web browser at www.aatokyo.org or call their help line at 03-3971-1471.
You can also email them at inquiries[at]aatokyo[dot]org
You can get addicted to sex? Sadly, this is a true reality, which was made worse for me after reading Chuck Palahniuk’s book all about sex addicts, Choke. God save me from that terrifying man (he’s the dude who wrote Fight Club).
If you feel your love of sex is destroying your life, Sexaholics Anonymous is here for you. Meetings take place every Saturday from 1PM-2PM in Roppongi. For more information, shoot an email to saintokyo[at]yahoo[dot]com
As a minority, it is important that we support each other through community, however large or small. Lets make Japan a better place for all of us, eh?
About the Writer:
Dillon Font is a comedian and writer. You can see lots of sketch comedy he’s written right here on Spinshell.tv, as well as on www.youtube.com/dillonfont
Do you have information about living in Japan we should know?
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Pitch us your ideas: production[at]spinshell[dot]tv
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- AIDS in Japan
- English Bookstores in Japan
- Settling in to the City
- Hold the Dashi! Going Veggie in Japan
- Big in Japan: The Foreign Music Scene
Tags: aa japan, alcoholic, counseling, english help line, hiv, sexaholic, survive, welcome tokyo, yokoso japan
April 8th, 2008 at 12:26
[...] you don’t speak the language. If you need English assistance while you are in Japan, refer to Surviving Japan, with a list of various English support groups to make your stay more [...]
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