Introduction

When preparing to study abroad in Japan, it is important to gain a balanced perspective. Safety is a global, national, regional, and local phenomenon. As Americans have come to realize, the United States is no more immune to acts of crime or violence than other parts of the world. The resources we provide will assist you in understanding the particular safety challenges in Japan. This resource gives a framework of information, checklists, questions, and resources that helps review the type of study abroad program you will choose/have chosen, the available support services, and ways for you to be prepared for the realities abroad in Japan.

Students may find it extremely helpful to do some research before going to Japan; understanding a country's culture, laws, customs, politics, etc. can be tremendously important. The more you know ahead of time about Japan, the better prepared and more confident you will feel when you arrive.

Internet research is one of the easiest ways to find more information about Japan. The Center for Global Education compiled a condensed list of information and helpful Internet resources on Japan for students considering study abroad. In creating this site, the Center's goals are to help educate and inform students so that they can enjoy a safe and healthy time in Japan. Students are encouraged to read through the information on Japan, and visit other recommended sites provided in each section.

While no study abroad program can offer an absolute guarantee that students will be safe, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming injured or a victim of crime abroad. We encourage all students, their parents, and study abroad program administrators to use this website and read through the following safety suggestions in order to better prepare themselves in the case of health or safety challenges in Japan.

To address the current worldwide concern for safety, and the need for informed study abroad program participants, the Safety Abroad First-Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) Clearinghouse of the Center for Global Education makes the following safety resource guide available for students studying abroad in Japan. This document is made possible through support from the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE) of the U.S. Department of Education.

Why Study in Japan?

In the shadow of Mt. Fuji, the cultural traditions of emperors, shoguns, geishas, and sumo wrestlers blend with the more modern popularity of nightlife and dining out. The young and the old feast on sushi, teriyaki, sukiyaki, tempura, and sashimi, while they wash down these delicacies with green tea and sake as they take-in trendsetting Tokyo nightlife. Welcome to Japan, where tradition meets modernity!

After its defeat in WWII, Japan recooperated to become a strong economic power as well as an ally of the United States. The country’s economy has seen unprecedented growth over the past few decades, thanks in part to Japanese ideals of a strong work ethic, coupled with a mastery of high technology. In fact, Japan ranks as the second-most technologically-powerful economy after the United States. One thing that makes Japan so unique is that it successfully retains its Eastern culture, but employs Western technology at the same time. Japanese technology is so advanced that the country owns nearly 60% of the world’s robots, and is one of world’s largest and most advanced producers of automobiles.

While Japan is geographically smaller than the state of California, its economy ranks as the third largest in the world after the economies of the United States and China respectively. With the incentive of a guarantee of lifetime employment, a large percentage of laborers in Japan’s economic system have job security. Crop yields, which are among the highest in the world, help to propel Japan’s economic and trade success. In addition, Japan boasts one of world’s largest fishing fleets, which proves capable of catching roughly 15% of the world’s fish. Therefore, any student interested in Pacific Rim trade, international business opportunities, or high technology would greatly benefit from study abroad in Japan. In Japan, students can make the necessary connections for launching their careers, as well as get background knowledge about the business practices and strategies used by Japan’s top companies.

Aside from its economy, Japan is a stable and highly developed country with a parliamentary democracy. Emperor Akihito represents a more modern ruler than in decades past, proving that he’s more akin to the European-style of rulers than he is to a demi-god. Japanese influence is being felt strongly through Asia and Australia, as the nation represents one of the world’s great powers in the international body known as the G8, making it a major player on the world’s stage. A student interested in the politics of Asia, international relations, or world affairs should take advantage of the opportunities that study abroad in a country like Japan provides.

Crime in Japan is well below the U.S. national average. Tourists and travelers alike refer to Japan as one of the safest and cleanest countries in the world, and say that the people are among the most friendly and helpful. Despite its reputation as the most seismically active areas on planet, earthquakes and other natural disasters like typhoons are not a deterrent for citizens or visitors. In fact, they may provide students interested in the sciences a unique experience to explore the natural phenomenon that take place on Japan and in its waters, as well as study the effects these global events have flora, fauna, people, and the world’s climate.

As a cultural presence, Japan has become a very real part of life in the United States and around the world, yet most people know very little about it. Studying in Japan will give you an opportunity to learn more about the meaning and history behind origami, bonsai, bunraku, ikebana, kabuki, poetry, tea and ukiyo-e (traditional paintings). If your interest lies more on the historical side, Japan’s tumultuous history spans the birth and decline of shoguns and samurai, the spread of Buddhism and Shintoism, and the emergence of legends like the Kamikaze (The Divine Wind), Kintaro, and Raiden. Art and culture even extend to food – professional sushi chefs train for years, sometimes ten or more, before they are deemed masters in their craft.

If you’re looking for a place that has made a successful transition from the old to the new, yet maintains a very strong hold to its history and traditions, Japan is the place for you.

Why Learn Japanese?

Nobody knows the true origin of the Japanese language. While some believe Japanese has its roots in Chinese, others argue that Korean forms its basis. The fact remains that Japanese quite simply is an unsolved mystery. The Japanese language represents an isolate, a language with no other known language related to it. What’s more, it’s defined as a less commonly taught critical language. With only 126 million Japanese speakers worldwide (121 million in Japan alone), it is no wonder that demand far exceeds supply. Knowing Japanese will therefore put you in a relatively exclusive group and open up many opportunities for you.

Perhaps one of the reasons Japanese is not commonly taken (as is the case with, for example, Spanish and French) is the perception that it is a difficult language. There are three written languages – Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana – which is probably one explanation for this perception. While this may seem staggering to beginning Japanese learners, rest assured that foreigners can function quite normally with just Hiragana or Katakana, which each contain roughly 44 characters that represent sounds – just as with English. Spoken Japanese is much easier to learn, with only 5 vowel sounds, no conjugation of verbs to reflect gender or number, and only two tenses: past and present (which is also used to speak about the future).

Currently, Japan is the third largest economic power in the world, and one of the world’s foremost producers of electronics, R&D (pharmaceuticals, medicine, electronics and computer-related technology), computers, automobiles and steel, and its largest trading partner is the United States (which imports a whopping 25% of Japanese exports). Other major receivers of Japanese exports include Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and South Korea. Therefore, learning Japanese would make you a major asset in the areas of business, engineering, research, manufacturing, economics, and politics. Furthermore, Japan’s position as a major world power means that your opportunities through learning Japanese would expand to cover the entire Pacific Rim area, as well as other parts of the world.

As a cultural presence, Japan has become a very real part of life in the United States and around the world, yet most people know very little about it. Learning Japanese in Japan will give you an opportunity to learn more about the meaning and history behind, for example, origami, bonsai, kabuki, poetry, and tea ceremonies; Japan’s legends like the Kamikaze and Kintaro; and how shoguns and samurai fit into Japan’s military history. With knowledge like this of Japanese culture, as well as the ability to communicate in both English and Japanese, you would be a real asset as a cultural liaison for many companies.

While your interest in learning Japanese may stem from wanting to watch anime or understand the different parts of a tea ceremony, you will find that your knowledge of Japanese will prove to be a useful skill, sometimes in unexpected ways!

Airport Safety, Duties and Customs

In this section, you will find information on how to check for new updates and stricter requirements now enforced by airports and airlines. There are some basic restrictions regarding what you can and cannot bring back from Japan into the United States. You will also learn how to keep a better watch on your luggage so that no one else can tamper with it.

No matter the country from which you are departing or entering, it is important to understand airport and airline safety and security, remembering to cooperate with airport, airline and customs officials.

• Showing Identification: Try to always have your passport easily accessible, yet protect it against theft. Be prepared to show your passport when presenting your airline tickets/receiving boarding passes, entering departure gates, going through passport control, when boarding flights, etc.
• Carry-on Luggage: Check with your airline to find out its regulations for what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bags. Do not put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry-on. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked baggage instead.
• Accepting Things from Others: Under no circumstances, should you ever take anything from, or hold anything for, anyone who asks you to do so. If anyone does ask you, simply say "no" and walk away. Don't be afraid to say "no" to family and friends. You need to think about the potential consequences before you hold anything for anyone.
• Watching Your Bags: Your bags should be in your sight at the airport up to point when you check them at the airline counter. Once you have picked up your bags from baggage claim, and are on your way to customs, be sure to keep a close eye on all your luggage so that no one but you has access to it.
• Random Baggage Searches: If you are stopped and asked to open your luggage, cooperate with the customs officials. Customs officials often conduct random baggage searches; just because your luggage gets searched, doesn't mean you have done something wrong.
• Body Searches: Airport security officials may conduct random body searches using an electronic device they wave over you. In some cases, a security official of the same sex as you may conduct a body search using his or her hands, and/or ask you to remove your shoes for inspection.
• Distractions: Airports are full of people carrying cash, travelers’ checks, credit cards, passports and other valuable documents. Therefore, airports tend to be an active place for thieves. While your attention is focused on checking in, boarding, getting your bags, finding a restroom, etc., you can become an easy target for theft. Be alert to anyone who suspiciously tries to distract you by asking directions, knocking over your coffee, reaching under a bathroom stall, etc.

Reverse Culture Shock

Making the Study Abroad Experience Count at Home

As you transition back to life in the United States, you may want to continue interacting with the Japanese people, do further study on Japanese issues, work in a bilingual environment, or even study abroad again in Japan or another country. One advantage of study abroad is that it can offer you a more global perspective and expand your mind. So, don't forget to consider other opportunities outside of Japan as well.

After you begin to readjust to being back home, visit your academic advisor. S/he will be able to inform you of whether your study abroad credits from Japan will transfer properly. Even if you are not planning on using those credits toward your graduation, the records are still important and may be needed if you decide to go on and pursue a higher level of education. You should also check with your academic advisor to make sure that you are registered for all of the courses that you need for the upcoming semester, and that you have filled out any financial aid or tuition forms that you will need for that year.

Sometimes studying abroad will affect you to the point where you may decide to pursue another area of study. This meeting with your academic advisor is a good time to discuss any changes that you might want to make to your class selection or even your current major/minor. Your advisor will be able to discuss your options with you and help you decide what the best academic path for you may be.

If you are considering a career with a Japanese or international component, or looking for a job abroad, we also recommend that you visit your campus’ career center. A campus career center often provides various services for students seeking employment, and this is generally a good place to start looking for international job opportunities in Japan and in other countries.