Pop Japan

Your best resource for contacting the police, asking for directions, or reporting any general concern would be your nearest koban or police box. This is a network of mini police stations and can be virtually found anywhere in all neighborhoods. There are actually 1200 kobans located in Tokyo alone, so a lot of people are being provided help when necessary. Not all kobans are staffed 24 hours a day but rest assured that there is always a police officer in charge, who can help with your inquiry. The Koban can be easily spotted through its distinctive red light, and you may approach the police officer if you need help with:

If you are unable to locate your nearest Koban, you can still get assistance from the hotel staff or front desk manager to help you with your concern.

IMPORTANT

If a police officer is not in the koban, the officer could be responding to an incident or is on patrol.
There are also kobans in rural areas where police officers are only available during the day. If the police officer isn’t there, you’re allowed to use the telephone right by the entrance. You no longer have to dial 110 (number for the police station) because the telephone is a direct line.
Not all police staff in the Koban can speak English, but there are a few officers or police staff in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department who may be available to help you in English.

C. International and Medical Insurance

Getting the International Travel Medical Insurance is important because you’d be able to get treatment without any worry in unexpected situations because if anything happens, treatment can be quite expensive. You get to feel safer with medical institution referrals, interpretation services, and cash-free treatment. If you do not have any medical insurance, you can get it after arriving in Japan.

Many wind and water-related natural disasters happen in Japan due to the fact that much of the land is steeply inclined and experiences a lot of rain. In addition to that, typhoons also hit the country from summer to fall. Since the country is also in an area where continental plates meet, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions aren’t new.

Although it is a disaster-prone country, Japan always raises awareness (both publicly and privately) to make citizens knowledgeable with what to do if a crisis were to occur. However, if a major disaster strikes, please respond to the situation with these points in mind.

PREPARATION

• Although it is a disaster-prone country, Japan always raises awareness (both publicly and privately) to make citizens knowledgeable with what to do if a crisis were to occur. However, if a major disaster strikes, please respond to the situation with these points in mind.

WHEN YOU FEEL QUAKES OR RECEIVE AN EARTHQUAKE WARNING

• Remain calm as much as possible. Give the highest priority to yourself and to your family as well. Protect yourself by going under a table, and following other safety precautions during a quake.

OBTAIN ACCURATE INFORMATION

• Make sure you’re aware of what’s happening in your surroundings, it is important to be updated. Pay attention to the news provided by the media, the government, or the police. You can also try to take your concerns on social media because this is also helpful in some cases.

SECONDARY DISASTERS SUCH AS TSUNAMI

• If you are near the coast, there may be a risk of experiencing a tsunami. Heading for higher ground is your safest choice to keep yourself safe from incoming flood. After everything, schools or nearby parks may become evacuation facilities. It is important to keep yourself safe, including your family.

PREPARATION

• Checking the daily weather forecast should be a must and is very helpful especially when the weather has been changing lately. Also, be extra careful if you live or stay in an area near a large body of water or an area with steep terrain.

STRONG WIND OR RAIN

• If a typhoon or storm is approaching, it is extremely important to stay indoors.

FLOODING

• When water levels are very high and the risk of flooding increases, evacuation instructions will be issued. Evacuate without delay, following the instructions provided.

The Norovirus

• This virus becomes highly contagious during the winter season from November to January. You can be infected by eating bivalves, such as raw oysters, or eating food that wasn’t thoroughly cooked. You can also get infected by coming in contact with someone who has the sickness, or even touching a handrail in the subway. It is very important to wash your hands as often as possible, and to not bring your fingers into your mouth.

Influenza

• Just like the Norovirus, this is also a popular illness during the winter season. When having influenza, it is important not to come in contact with a large group of people, to avoid getting them sick as well. Keep your hands clean at all times.

Serious diseases call for the immediate attention of a hospital. In some cases, quarantine is needed so as to not infect other civilians. The cost of treatment in such cases is publicly funded and not paid for by the individual. You may not leave the hospital until the treatment is over so it is necessary for you to change your itinerary or scheduled date of your return home if you are sick.

• Kansai International Airport Quarantine
  http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/bf/step/arr.html

• Haneda Airport Quarantine
  http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/dept/arr_step.html#immigration

• Kansai International Airport Quarantine
  http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/route/intarr/index.html

Face Masks

• Not all people who were wear face masks are necessarily sick. It may also mean that they’re trying to avoid getting sick as well. It can help you against dust, pollution, or dryness of the throat. It is very helpful to use a filtered face mask when out in public so you can avoid getting sick with any illness.

Prevention

• Sufficient amount of sleep and healthy meals are very important in keeping your body’s defense system on track. Vaccines are also very helpful, which is why you could have one before visiting Japan so as to enjoy your trip and not become sick with any illness.