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?
We pay for your words of wisdom!
Pitch us your ideas: production[at]spinshell[dot]tv
Related articles:
- 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 [...]
March 18th, 2010 at 06:44
Hey I love your blog I though I would allege Ive been a phone sex operator for years and like the job you can find me at Click Here. Im constantly live there and would like nothing more to delight and flirt.. Keep up the posts I enjoy talking about this info.
June 22nd, 2010 at 15:36
you can avoid kidney stones by drinking lots of liquid.”*~
July 25th, 2010 at 23:14
Kidney Stone is a deadly disease specially if it has not been checked regularly.’*.
August 17th, 2010 at 05:25
great work
September 17th, 2010 at 23:24
Very interesting read. I am a blogger myself and of lately I have found that managing my own site has been a pain in the neck, especially for those technical jargon i have to solve. I recently found a new blogging community where you can just setup a blog and forget about it. Check it out, might be useful later
September 28th, 2010 at 21:23
Ach wo.. Wir versuchen nicht, die Zukunft oder die Vergangenheit zu verändern, Pille. Wir versuchen, die Gegenwart zu verändern. – McCoy: Aber wir sind die Vergangenheit der Zukunft anderer Menschen. – Kirk: Das ist das spitzfindigste Argument, das ich jemals gehört habe.
October 13th, 2010 at 02:56
kidney stones can be avoided by taking in lots of liquid in your diet”-:
December 15th, 2010 at 03:13
i am staying away from high sodium diets cause it can cause kidney stones and other bad effects .;,
February 22nd, 2011 at 22:43
I think this is one of the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
March 4th, 2011 at 01:33
360 repair uk
March 23rd, 2011 at 10:28
Thank you for your energy to have decided to put these things together on this web site. Robin and i also very much prized your ideas through your own articles over certain things. I recognize that you have many demands on your schedule so the fact that an individual like you took the maximum amount of time as you did to steer people just like us by means of this article is actually highly valued.
April 21st, 2011 at 08:03
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I am quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!
April 22nd, 2011 at 15:31
Hi, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, would test this… IE still is the market leader and a big portion of people will miss your wonderful writing because of this problem.
May 6th, 2011 at 01:59
I will invite all my friends to your blog, you really got a great blog.”:`~-
May 31st, 2011 at 11:34
Good day! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!
August 8th, 2011 at 22:11
As a internet resource for companies and technology enthusiasts to follow the latest and biggest improvements in Unified Communications, IP Telephony, Hosted Communications and VoIP.
September 2nd, 2011 at 10:12
I have no idea what you’re talking about. MACs do not have a "registry."
September 25th, 2011 at 01:42
Nice site.I hope to see another interesting post here Thank you!
December 3rd, 2011 at 07:39
There are so many interesting posts here.Its really interesting.Thank You!
Gold Price
December 3rd, 2011 at 16:32
There is visibly a lot to know about this. I believe you made various nice points in features also.
December 21st, 2011 at 07:37
When you follow this link here right now and download the software, you can have the webcamsex blocked on your computer in less than 10 minutes.
January 15th, 2012 at 03:14
Such a wonderful analysis! I have no clue how you were able to say this post..it’d take me long hours. Well worth it though, I’d assume. Have you considered selling banners on your website?
February 3rd, 2012 at 10:26
This internet site can be a walk-through its the info you wanted concerning this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you will undoubtedly discover it.
February 4th, 2012 at 19:28
I am now not positive where you’re getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent info I used to be on the lookout for this info for my mission.