About SHIEN
Our team name: SHIEN means "support" in Japanese,
aiming to create an environment that will encourage better research activities at ATR.
We support ATR foreign researchers and internship students with services of immigration and other legal procedures necessary for them to work at ATR also with various daily issues to live in Japan.
If you seek any supports, please feel free to contact us!

Preparing to Live in Japan

Moving to Japan is not difficult as long as you are well prepared.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions at SHIEN and also recommended things to keep in mind when preparing for living in Japan.

Q1. How can I get an internet access at home?
When staying short-midterm in Japan, it's recommended that you rent a pocket WiFi.
There are some service providers that won't ask you for the 2 years commitment and penalties,
and also that you can purchase a pocket WiFi even from your home outside of Japan.
Please go to Internet Access.

Q2. Does my mobile phone work in Japan?
Yes. Most of the modern mobile phone models from overseas work in Japan without any hassle.
There are some SIM companies that are recommended.
*To contract mobile phones in Japan, you need a credit card.

Q3. Can I withdraw Japanese Yen with my bank/debit/credit cards issued by the overseas banks/credit card companies?
Yes. You can use ATMs of either AEON Bank, SEVEN bank, JP bankto withdraw JPY with bank/debit/credit cards issued by overseas banks or credit card companies. Exchange rates may apply. For more details, please visit below websites.
AEON bank
Seven bank
JP bank
Q4. Is it better to bring my credit/debit card to Japan or get new one in Japan?
Please bring your own from home AND get a new one in Japan. In Japan, it is always wise to carry some cash although traveling and/or living abroad with your credit card is much handier. Please remember that debit payment is still not widely spread in Japan.
Also to note is that there are some shops which don't accept foreign credit/debit cards especially in suburbs like Seika-cho, Kyoto.
For whom considering to get a credit card in Japan, we are happy to help you.
Please be cautious that you as a foreigner might experience hard time to get a credit card that you're a blank slate to Japanese credit card companies and your social and financial credentials in Japan are unclear.

Q5. Can I open a bank account in Japan?
Yes, SHIEN will support you to open your bank account at JP bank (Yucho-ginko).
It is necessary to have one as your salary will be transferred to your Japanese bank account every month.

Q6. What if I need to get medical treatment in Japan?
For whom hired by ATR with remuneration, you will automatically join our company's health insurance scheme as a part of social insurance, which will cover from your initial day to the end of your contract day at ATR.
The insurance fee will be deducted from your monthly salary every month, and it will be printed on your salary slip.
Your medical payments will be covered 70% by this insurance, and the rest will be paid by you at the medical institution every time you visit.
For whom arriving Japan before the starting date of the insurance, we recommend you buy the travel insurance by your own, which covers the period until your contract starts at ATR.


Preparing to Enter Japan
CAUTION
Due to the COVID-19, additional Epidemic Prevention and Control Measures for the Entry or Re-entry of Foreign Nationals are under enforcement.
Please closely check the necessary procedures for your travel to Japan. (2020.11.10)

To enter Japan with appropriate VISA is the very first step you should make in order to work at ATR. Here are the procedure for acquiring your VISA at the embassy/consulate general of Japan in your country.

[ Usual procedure ]
1. SHIEN will contact you by Email for the detailed procedure for you to acquire apporopliate "resident status" to work at ATR in Japan.
2. SHIEN will apply for your CoE(*) with necessary information provided by you at Japan immigration bureau.
(*) To obtain a your visa swiftly, you will need to submit a "Certificate of Eligibility" (CoE) to the Embassy of Japan or Consulate General of Japan in your country of residence along with other application documents. "CoE" shows resident status, which corresponds to the expected ativities you will engage in Japan. Visa refers to the CoE.
3. SHIEN sends the issued CoE by EMS (Express Mail Service) to the postal address that you specified, also inform you the tracking number of the package by Email.
4. You will apply for the VISA at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your country of resindence together with the CoE and other required documents.
5. Upon arrival in Japan, you will submit the CoE to the immigration at the airport.
If your resident status period is more than 3 months, you will receive the "Resident card" that shows your resident status in Japan.



* Airport Baggage Service *
After you landed from long and exhausting flight, it would be easy to use courier service, which deliver your luggage to your lodging. From
Kansai International airport, the delivery fee is approx. 2000-3000JPY to ATR's company accomodation.
For more information, please check HERE.

( Last update: 2020.11.10)
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HISTORY OF SHIEN


ATR Journal
We wrote how we have been supporting international researchers for the ATR journals in series from 2000 to 2002.
Japanese
Journal 40 「日本の枕」〜外国人研究員 支援の日常〜
Journal 41 あなたのお名前は？
Journal 42 国境を越えるための準備
Journal 43 研究員たちに支えられる生活支援
Journal 44 パンダちゃんの入学手続き
Journal 45 信頼関係の大切さ
Journal 46 帰国のとき

English
UptoDate 1 What's your name?
UptoDate 2 Preparing to Cross International Borders
UptoDate 3 Researchers Also Contribute to SHIEN's Support Activities


Newspaper Article

SHIEN and a Japanese language class organized by an ATR researcher were appeared in the Kyoto prefecture edition of a major newspaper, 毎日新聞 Mainichi-Shinbun on November 16, 2006.

Japanese English Translation
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Last Update: November 10, 2020