Things to do when you get to Japan

I guess this post will only apply to those who want to study abroad in Japan at least for a semester, but others could use it as a guide. When you arrive in Japan, you will first encounter so many problems and difficulties. It would be the best if you have friends or relatives helping you. If not, just be ready for the adventure. You will probably arrive 3 to 4 days before the orientation, and you may be able to stay in an assigned dorm or in a hotel on your first night of adventure. After you get to the dorm or hotel, which I will discuss again later, have a can of beer and relax because you are going to be very busy for the next few day, and it will probably be the most expensive week of your life.

Alien Registration

1. First, you need to get an alien registration card at the municipal office in the district your residency.
   


2. Take two photographs and your passport.
   


3. It takes about two weeks.
   


4. Also, apply for the Certificate on Registered matters because you will need this document for opening a bank account, getting a cellular phone, and other official procedures.

National Health Insurance

1. In the same building where you apply for the alien registration card, go to the insurance department, which will probably be on the different floor.
   
2. You will get it soon after you apply it.
   


3. You will be receiving a bill next month, which covers the whole year.
   


4. It will cost over $100.

Bank account

1. With your alien registration certificate, go to a bank and open an account. Ones near your school are preferred.
   


2. Don't forget to take your passport

Cellular Phone (Getai Denwa)

1. Again with your alien registration certificate and passport, go to a cellular phone shop, which could be found anywhere in Japan.
   


2. If you are applying for a student plan, then you might have to wait until you receive the student ID card.
   


3. If not, pick a getai and fill out your form.
   


4. It is highly recommended to go with someone who speaks Japanese because there are many complicated things.

Student commuter pass

1. After you receive the student ID card (probably after your orientation) go to the nearest subway or JR station and purchase a student commuter pass.
   
2. You need to decide how long you want to use your commuter pass by months, and the cost will depend on that.
   

I tried to be detail as possible, but these information could be found and provided by anyone in school or others. I assume that it will be like a downhill after getting these out of the way. Let's have fun now!

Did you know that they have Anna Millers in Japan?

I have not tried it yet though.

Before leaving for Japan

Before I left Hawaii for Japan, I was busy with getting things done and preparing.
I might forget a few, but I will try my best to list what I had to do.
This might only apply for people who are studying abroad for one or two semesters.
I hope this helps for those who are preparing to study abroad soon.

1. Passport- probably the most important thing that you have to get. I hope you know where to get this.
   


2. VISA- you need to have this to be in another country for a given period. It is like a permission to stay. I had to go to Japanese consul in Nuuanu. Don't forget to take required documents and a recent picture. I took an old picture and it took a long time to prove mine.
   


3. Disconnect your phone service- there usually is a penalty for discontinuing your service if you disconnect it within a contracted period. But if you could prove that you have a legitimate reason for doing so, then they might waive it. This could be painful and time consuming.
   


4. Clothes- if you are going to a country with winter season, then make sure to bring some winter clothes. I had one full bag of them.
   


5. Foreign currency- You can always exchange at the airport, but it is nice to have some before leaving. Especially when dollar is getting weak nowadays.
   


6. Dictionary- I do not need to explain this. Right?
   


7. Check your driver's license- if it expires while you are gone, you might have to pay a late charge when you get back. If it is possible, try to renew it before leaving.
   


8. Try to make friends from the country that you are planning to go- it has been absolutely great to have friends in Japan. I have been receiving help from friends and family since my arrival. You will be less lonely.
   

I can't think of anymore, but I am sure that I am forgetting something. Feel free to add more!

About Keio University

About the university I am attending as an exchange student now...

Keio has a proud history as Japan's very first private institution of higher learning, which dates back to the formation of a school for Dutch studies in 1858 in Edo (now Tokyo) by founder Yukichi Fukuzawa. Since the school's inception, the students of Keio have risen to the forefront of innovation in every imaginable academic field, emerging as social and economic leaders.
In today's internationally interdependent world, Keio places great effort upon maintaining the finest teaching faculty and superlative facilities. Based on the knowledge and experience of their predecessors, today's Keio students strive to develop the leadership qualities that will enable them to make valuable contributions to tomorrow's society. In 2008 the University will celebrate its sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary.

A week in Korea

I FINALLY returned to Korea after 4 years.
Everything seemed a little different, but I realized that I was the one who changed the most.
The whole week passed quicker than a blink.
Meeting with my family, relatives, and old friends made me feel like I was home again.
I wished that I was there a little longer, but I could not wait till I get to Japan.

A cool ceiling in a subway station








"Hanjungsik" a Korean full course meal

A busy street of "Insadong"

Korean traditional wedding

Han River at night




My journey to Japan begins from here!

Family Bon Voyage Party

Last night, our family held my bon voyage party.
We played golf, had a big barbeque, and ate ice cream... and then my farewell speech.
I never realized that my trip is coming so soon, but after last night, it feels different.
In fact, I feel like I am really leaving...
There were lots of good-byes last night, and many more to come this week.

About me

Hi everyone!
My name is Danny.
I am currently studying finance and international business at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
For the next 12 months, I will be studying at Keio University in Japan as an exchange student.
I am planning to make at least two new posts a week about my life in Japan.
Please enjoy my exciting journey in Japan!