How to Stay Healthy

When you move to Japan, the school will register you with the city hall. The city hall will then mail you a green healthcare. Later in the year, the city hall will mail you a pink healthcare card. Keep these cards safe, and bring them with you to the doctor. The city hall will also mail you a 10 page green booklet. Each page of the booklet is a health insurance bill, and you will pay the bills one at a time throughout the year. Each page (bill) has a different date on it. Bring the page to a convenience store, and pay it with cash. Each bill is around $20. The longer you live in Japan the higher the cost of health insurance goes. If you need to go to the doctor, tell your school, and they direct you to a near by (English speaking) clinic. The Japanese government will pay 66% of your bill, and you are responsible for paying the remaining 30%.

How to Gym in Japan

Gyms in Japan are expensive, frustrating, and disappointing. I recommend you find the local “Sports Center” in your city. These are more affordable local-government run gyms. You need to wear gym clothing, and bring a second pair of (new) shoes. Tell them you “want to do training,” and they will help you buy a $3 ticket. They will then explain 1000 rules, in Japanese, and then you can start your workout. Make sure to wipe down the machine, and set the weight pin back to the lowest weight. Some of the machines / weight areas require a reservation. Try to ask the gym about it…good luck GAIJIN.